JULIANA PLEXXO (Colombia 1993)
Juliana Plexxo (1993) is a Colombian-born artist living in Barcelona who
has made a significant impact on the art world. Raised in Quito, Ecuador,
her passion for visual arts began at an early age, inspired by esteemed
painter Oswaldo Guayasamín. Plexxo’s artistic exploration extends to the
divine and mystical essence of bulls, her favorite animal, emphasizing
their nobility and presence.
From a young age, Juliana was captivated by the majesty of bulls, a
fascination deeply rooted in her upbringing since the age of four. Her
father, a renowned journalist and bullfighting chronicler, instilled in her a
profound admiration for these animals, despite being silenced by the
violence in Colombia during the 1990s. Her earliest memories are
intertwined with the faces and eyes of these magnificent creatures,
symbolizing strength and nobility. Juliana’s interpretations transform the bull into a divine, mystical, and noble being, reflecting the emotional intensity and imposing presence she perceived since childhood.
In 2019, Juliana was invited to join the prestigious workshop of Joan
Barbarà in Barcelona, Spain, which has hosted legendary artists such as
Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Antoni Tàpies. Specializing in the ancestral
technique of engraving, Juliana’s unique style is shaped by her use of
copper plates. Her decision to destroy the metal plate after each engraving
process ensures the exclusivity of her work, with no duplicates existing.
Plexxo has left her mark with collaborative mural projects in the US,
Colombia, and Ecuador, garnering numerous accolades. Her artistic
endeavors extend beyond workshops, with murals gracing the vibrant
Wynwood district in Miami and the former residence of Simón Bolívar in
Ecuador. Recognized for her excellence and potential, Juliana was
nominated for the “Best Young Talent” award by the University of
California, Berkeley. Her outstanding contributions to the art world also
earned her a prestigious place on Forbes’ 2022 list of the 50 most creative
people. In 2024, she was further recognized as one of Forbes Celebrity
USA’s top 10 public figures.
Juliana made history as the first female artist under 30 to exhibit her work
at “La Capilla del Hombre Museum” in Quito, following the passing of
Master Oswaldo Guayasamín. Her exhibitions in renowned locations such
as Los Angeles, Dubai, Barcelona, and Monaco have solidified her
position as a contemporary artist to watch.
As a female artist, Juliana is committed to breaking down barriers and
shattering stereotypes to empower women in the art world. Through her
work, she challenges the status quo and advocates for a more inclusive and
diverse space for all artists to thrive. Her art reflects a profound connection
with Latin culture, particularly Latin American indigenous culture,
inspiring her mission to promote respect for nature, life, and women.
Behind the mystique of her art lies a message of social impact for the 21st
century.
Joan Barbarà I Gómez, born in Barcelona in 1927 and died in the same city on December 7, 2013, was a renowned painter, printmaker, and lithographer, considered one of the leading figures in contemporary Catalan and Spanish printmaking. His printmaking workshop in Barcelona became a legendary institution in the art world, attracting artists of various inclinations and being visited by art legends such as Picasso, Miró, and Dalí. Currently, the workshop is under the guidance of master Virgili Barbarà, son of Joan Barbarà, and serves as the artistic residency of the talented artist Juliana Plexxo.
As a disciple of Édouard Chimot, Joan Barbarà began exhibiting his work in 1944 and explored various printmaking techniques at Francesc Mèlich’s workshop. His first solo exhibition, featuring painting and printmaking, occurred at Galerías Layetanas in Barcelona in 1957. That same year, he received a scholarship from the Maillol Circle of the French Institute and moved to Paris, where he studied at the La Grande Chaumière Academy. During his time in Paris, he worked with Catalan printmaker Lluís Bracons, co-founding the Atelier de Recherches Plàstiques et Techniques Calcographiques, and collaborated with the Leblanc and Lacourière-Frélaut workshops, as well as lithographer Fernand Mourlot. In Paris, he had the opportunity to print works by renowned artists such as Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró, among others. His friendship with Miró emerged from their collaborative work, and he admired Picasso’s constant technical challenges. He also collaborated closely with Antoni Tàpies, whom he described as a “dense eruption of meaning, a code yet to be deciphered.”
Upon his return to Barcelona, Joan Barbarà founded Taller 46, a space where his friends and fellow artists from Paris settled and used as their printmaking studio. Throughout his career, he worked with some of the most important painters of the 20th century, including Tàpies, Miró, Picasso, and Chillida.
Today, the legacy of Joan Barbarà’s workshop continues under the guidance of master Virgili Barbarà, his son. The workshop has been the artistic home of Juliana Plexxo since its inception, drawing inspiration and advice from the mastery and tradition of the workshop. The pursuit of universal vision and beauty remains a fundamental pillar in the selection of artists and the work carried out in this historic space of artistic creation.
