Interview with Cesc Abad

In collaboration with Gabriel Rolt from The Curators Room

Cesc Abad (Barcelona, 1973) is a self-taught and multidisciplinary artist who draws on the postulates from the best Catalan artists, as well as the most renowned international artists. His artworks are directly related to nature, especially the landscape in the Catalan Pyrenees, and although they are figurative, they are all endowed with a deep conceptual sense that goes beyond the limits of utopia to delve into a dystopian world. His ease in dealing with different disciplines enables him to work with ceramics in a highly personal and identifiable way. He manages to create a fusion of painting and sculpture to reflect on the relationship between humankind and nature and also on its relationship with passions, fears and hopes.

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“Metamorphosis: The Artistic Odyssey of Cesc Abad”
Interview with Cesc Abad and Gabriel Rolt, Barcelona/ Amsterdam 28 November 2023

GR: Cesc, reflecting on the 20 years where you led your father’s companies while maintaining a secret artistic life, what pivotal moment led to your decision to transition from the corporate world to a full-time career as an artist?

CA: Reflecting on the 20 years where I led my father's companies while maintaining a secret artistic life, the pivotal moment leading to my decision to transition from the corporate world to a full-time career as an artist was a deep realisation of my passion for art. There came a point where the fulfillment I found in creating art surpassed the demands of the corporate life, prompting me to embrace a new chapter.

GR: The idea of working behind a fake wall in your office is fascinating. How did this hidden creative process impact your artistic style during those two decades, and did it influence the themes of your earlier works depicting the Catalan Pyrenees?

CA: Working behind a fake wall in my office was a surreptitious creative sanctuary. This hidden process had a profound impact on my artistic style over two decades. It allowed for a clandestine exploration of themes, especially those inspired by the Catalan Pyrenees. The secrecy fostered a unique intensity and introspection that shaped the authenticity of my earlier works.

GR: Ten years ago, you made the bold move to sell the companies and fully embrace art. Looking back, what challenges and rewards did this major career shift bring, and how did it shape your identity as an artist?

CA: Ten years ago, selling the companies and fully embracing art was both challenging and rewarding. The challenge lay in stepping away from a familiar, successful path. The reward was the liberation to dedicate myself entirely to art. This major career shift shaped my identity by affirming that my true fulfilment came from artistic expression, making me more attuned to my authentic self as an artist.

Cesc Abad, FRIENDS, Oil On Canvas 130 x 150 cm

GR: Your earlier works were characterised by expressive landscapes of the Catalan Pyrenees and its wildlife. How does the essence of this region continue to inspire your recent abstract pieces, and in what ways has your painting style evolved?

CA: The essence of the Catalan Pyrenees continues to be a powerful muse for my recent pieces where I am experimenting with a more abstract style. While the landscapes may not be explicitly represented, the spirit of the region, its wildlife, and the emotional connections I formed are embedded in my work. My painting style has evolved, allowing for a more nuanced expression of these influences in an abstract context.

GR: The influence of Picasso, Matisse, Goya, and Renaissance masters in your recent works is intriguing. How do you balance these diverse influences, and what aspects of each master’s style do you find most impactful in your current creations?

CA: Balancing the influences of Picasso, Matisse, Goya, and Renaissance masters in my new works is a delicate dance. Each master's style brings a unique energy to my creations. Picasso's boldness, Matisse's vibrancy, Goya's emotional depth, and the Renaissance masters' timeless elegance collectively contribute to a rich tapestry within my current pieces.

GR: Family plays a significant role in your artistic practice. Can you share how their involvement contributes to your creative process, and in what ways do they influence the themes or elements within your artworks?

CA: Family is a fundamental part of my artistic practice. Their involvement is multifaceted, contributing emotional support, constructive feedback, and even direct participation in certain artworks. They influence the themes by bringing diverse perspectives and personal narratives, enriching the layers of meaning within my creations.

GR: The titles of your works are amazing. How do you come up with these titles, and do they play a specific role in conveying the narrative or emotion behind each piece?

CA: The titles of my works are integral to the narrative. They often emerge from a fusion of emotions, concepts, and inspirations behind each piece. Titles serve as gateways, offering viewers a glimpse into the intended narrative or emotion, enhancing the overall experience of the artwork.

GR: The vibrant colors in your works are striking. How do you choose and use colors in your art, and what role do they play in conveying the mood or message you wish to express?

CA: Choosing and using colors in my art is an intuitive process. Vibrant colors play a important role in conveying the mood and messages I wish to express. Each color is selected deliberately to evoke specific emotions or atmospheres, adding depth and resonance to the visual impact of the artwork.

GR: Beyond painting, you’re also a sculptor working with ceramics. How does your experience in sculpture influence your two-dimensional artworks, and what unique aspects of expression do you find in working with different artistic mediums?

CA: Being a sculptor working with ceramics brings a tactile dimension to my artistic expression. This experience influences my two-dimensional artworks by instilling a sense of materiality and form. The unique aspects of expression arise from the interplay between the malleability of ceramics and the vibrant colors characteristic of my paintings, creating a dynamic dialogue between mediums.

GR: how is your calendar looking for the upcoming months? 

CA:  Embarking on a new artistic journey with Alzueta Gallery, I'm looking forward to a full 2023/2023:  group showcases in Madrid and Sydney to a solo exhibition in Seoul, each stop is a unique chapter. The year includes a mid-career retrospective at LA FACT Museum in Barcelona, providing a reflection on the evolution of my artistic language over the last 10 years.

GR: Thank you so much for your time and for the interview Cesc. I can’t wait to see the new shows and works to come!

CA: Thank you Gabriel. Really enjoyed the interview!  

Cesc Abad, LOOKING FOR THE LIGHT, Oil On Canvas 120 x 90 cm