Cristina BanBan, a talented artist born in Barcelona, has been creating a stir in the art world with her vibrant, large-scale paintings that pay homage to the female body. Her artwork serves as a triumphant celebration of the female form, portraying voluptuous, exaggerated bodies that seem to overflow beyond the confines of the canvas. These pieces are deeply personal, offering emotional insights into the artist's private world. Speaking from her spacious studio in Brooklyn, where she currently resides, BanBan describes painting as a journal, an integral part of her existence.
The creative process for each of BanBan's works begins with a sketch on paper before she immerses herself in the vast canvas, swiftly outlining forms with charcoal and intuitively adding layers of paint. Her recent works feature rapid, gestural brushstrokes interspersed with vibrant colors, creating an energetic frenzy that draws the viewer in. According to BanBan, she approaches the canvas with gusto, considering painting an empowering act that allows her to assert her presence, with the women in her paintings commanding attention.
For BanBan, female bodies serve as visual representations of her emotions and observations of the world around her. These multifaceted women in her paintings become her companions, confidants, and reflections. Her bold interpretation of the female form, often depicted in small groups, minimally clothed and disengaged from each other and the audience, has captured the art world's fascination. Notably, her muscular, brushy forms have been prominently displayed at New York fairs, with one of her monumental canvases selling for $65,000 at a recent New York edition of TEFAF.
BanBan's fascination with painting the human form began in childhood when she attended an art program in Barcelona at the age of five, immersing herself in art education for the next 12 years. Her journey led her to earning a BFA at the University of Barcelona, followed by a move to London in 2012 to explore new horizons in painting.
The artist's lush, large-scale paintings have garnered attention at prestigious galleries such as Skarstedt Gallery in New York and Perrotin in Paris. Her debut solo show at Perrotin in Paris was a resounding success, with the exhibition selling out within days. Moreover, her paintings made a significant impact at art fairs in New York, hinting at a growing presence in the art market. One of her portraits, "El Sueño Va Sobre el Tiempo (2019)," fetched a record-breaking £139,000 ($168,000) at Phillips London, underscoring the rising value of her work.
BanBan's artwork continues to evolve, with each creation portraying women who are bolder and more confident. She meticulously builds her compositions, starting with the depiction of two or three figures and adding layers until satisfied. When it comes to attire, BanBan's interest lies in the body itself rather than clothing, although she adds colorful undergarments to imbue the characters with a contemporary vibe. The figures in her paintings exhibit fluid traits, with diverse characteristics blending organically across the canvas, creating a fascinating tapestry of visual expression.
Cristina BanBan's art captures the essence of female empowerment through bold, expressive forms. Her journey as an artist reflects an unwavering commitment to portraying the female figure with depth, emotion, and contemporary relevance. As her work continues to captivate audiences around the world, BanBan's distinctive artistic voice promises to leave an indelible mark on the art world for years to come.
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