JULIANA PLEXXO (Colombia 1994)
Juliana Plexxo is a Colombian-born artist who has taken the art world by storm. Raised in Quito, Ecuador, Juliana’s love for visual arts was cultivated at a young age, drawing inspiration from esteemed painter Oswaldo Guayasamín.
In 2019, Juliana was invited to join the prestigious workshop of Joan Barbará 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 and distinctive style is shaped by her utilization of copper plates. However, what sets her apart is her decision to destroy the metal plate after the process, ensuring that there are no duplicates of her work and giving each piece a sense of exclusivity.
Juliana’s artistic mark extends beyond her workshop endeavors, with her collaborative mural projects 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 Berkeley, California. Her outstanding contributions to the art world have also earned her a prestigious place on Forbes’ 2022 list of the 50 most creative people.
Juliana holds the distinction of being the first female artist to exhibit her work at “La Capilla del Hombre Museum” in Quito, following the passing of maestro Guayasamín. Her exhibitions at renowned locations such as Soho House in Los Angeles and Barcelona, as well as the Yacht Club in Monaco, have solidified her place as a contemporary artist to watch. Additionally, she has participated in art fairs across the Americas and Europe, including the one in Innsbruck, Austria.
In her own words, Juliana explains her artistic objectives:
“As a female artist, I am dedicated to breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes to empower women in the art world. Through my work, I aim to challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive and diverse space for all artists to thrive.”
My cultural heritage is a vital part of who I am as an artist, and I am passionate about sharing it with the world. By infusing my work with vibrant colors, rich history, and unique perspectives of Latin culture, I hope to inspire a greater appreciation and understanding of diverse artistic traditions.
In a world dominated by digital technology, it’s more important than ever to preserve traditional artistic techniques. As an artist dedicated to the craft of engraving, I am committed to reviving this fading art form and showcasing its beauty and intricacy to a new generation of art lovers. By merging the past with the future, I hope to create a bridge between traditional and contemporary art that celebrates the best of both worlds.”
Juliana Plexxo is a visionary artist who is pushing the boundaries of contemporary art with her unique style and commitment to reviving traditional techniques.
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.
