Pere Ibañez
Biography
Over a decade, Barcelona native and Beijing resident Pere Ibañez has earned international recognition for his emotionally-charged artwork. Drawing inspiration from the dramatic and suspenseful styles of genre films, these images seek to explore aspects of human nature that often go underplayed and trivialised. Instead, through photography and poetry, Ibañez magnifies both the falls and ascensions of the human experience through his own lens.
Recent recipient of Contemporary Curator Magazine’s Peace Art Prize and Voices Of Tomorrow Art Award 2022 and nominated to multiple awards like Barcelona International Artist Award, Tokyo Art Prize or Contemporary Expressions Award. Pere Ibañez’s works have been featured in exhibitions and publications across the US, Asia and Europe; with some of his photo-books ranking #1 in iTunes sales for art eBooks.
Having explored themes of domestic violence, societal pressure, racism and mental health, in 2021 released ‘Pedro’, a tribute to his late father that drifted far from the dark nature of his early work. ‘Dream On, We’re Almost Home’ share the same influences, embodying poetry and surrealism wholeheartedly. It is a deep dive into the subconscious and the world of dreams, whether they interpreted as portals or as coping mechanisms while dwelling on grief after the loss of loved ones.
This new chapter in the artists career serves as a portrait in times where isolation and loneliness have forced us to coexist with our very own ghosts in a figurative, as well as literal manner.
What’s your background?
I’m from Cardedeu, a town in Barcelona where I studied fine arts. I majored in film making and got masters in photography and graphic design. Since 2007 I live in Beijing, China where I have my studio. My first photo-series were released in 2010 after winning an art competition in New York, and I haven’t stopped since then.
What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?
It’s wonderful, I mean it’s not something that you think of when you are in the process of creating. And it’s such a boost that encourages to continue and keep exploring new themes. I’m humbled and really grateful.
What do you think is the role of art in the world today?
Art is a mirror reflecting of the time period when is created. Through the prisma of the artist and it’s point of view we get a glimpse of what its going on in the world and what people are thinking about it. In the current times of division, cultural change and international tensions, art is like a diary writing it all down. We won’t really know what role art played until later on when we look back and see it with the perspective that only time grants. But clearly art is now needed it as much as ever.
What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?
Hard to say, more than ‘change’ I would keep opening the industry giving more opportunities to newcomers, and get more support from institutions. It’s very hard for new artists to find a spot in the market, and we should help facilitate the transition for art graduates to establish themselves.
What are your most significant professional achievements?
Something very meaningful for me it has been to work with two NGO’s on a Domestic Violence project and later on a Bipolar Disorder Awareness Campaign. Those two events were life-changing, the chance to use my works in such a meaningful way.
What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?
The message and theme of my work varies from project to project, but if there’s something that all of them share is that there’s plenty of heart behind them. My works always put human emotions front and center, sometimes in a very dark manner and others with a warm touch. I hope to inspire people to feel and express their emotions, cherish the good times and cope in the darkest ones.
What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?
Just to follow their instincts and believe in themselves, this industry is sometimes harsh and unforgiving but it’s all worth it in the long run. There is space for everybody and I really mean it. If 10 doors close then knock on 10 more, eventually one opens, that’s been my experience so far.
In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?
I’m not very ambitious, so I would be quite happy just to keep doing what I’m doing at the same level; photo series and photo-books combined with film. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to get more exposure or reach new highs, I do but it’s not my driving force. I just love doing what I do, it truly makes life worth living.
Country Spain
Website www.pereibanez.com
