Beñat Olaberria

Working with abstract expression, his gestural mark-making and creation of forms reflect the shapes and shadows of the natural world. His works are created with a combination of thick acrylic paint, dirt, charcoal, and pencil, creating an instantly recognisable and deceptively complicated aesthetic.

After a successful career in fashion and marketing, Beñat threw himself into his artistic practice after graduating from London’s City and Guilds university. Since his graduation, his practice has gone from strength to strength, taking part in numerous group exhibitions and presenting solo shows in Barcelona, Switzerland, and London. He also teaches painting and has developed his practice aligned with a series of rules; focus on the edges of the canvas, never rotate the canvas and never cover any marks made.

The monochromatic nature of his works mirrors the unknown territories of Beñat Olaberria’s mind. Engaged with reconnecting to his past, Beñat uses these strong compositions to provide himself a map of the intimate moments that are held within his memory, allowing him to trace back and rediscover them. These themes paired with the expressionist style of these works, aids Olaberria’s refusal to depict representations of literal forms and any fixed visual explanations which creates an entrusting sense of intimacy between the viewer and the canvases.