Juan Garcia Ripollés (1932)

Sculptor and Painter

Juan Garcia Ripollés, with his frivolous, humorous work, belongs to the top of contemporary Spanish artists. His work can be simply described as ‘joie de vivre’, stemming from a great need for freedom. Not intellectual, but rather from within.
These material etchings are still made by Ripollés himself from handmade linen pulp paper.

These dry in the hot Spanish sun, giving them their rough shape with ragged edges. Afterwards, the images are created by pressing materials such as iron and bronze pieces into the linen paper. Sometimes mixed with a special glossy paint. A modern form of etching invented by Ripollés and unique in the world. The special frame and mat ensure that the etching is showcased even more beautifully.

In addition to paintings, etchings, and bronze sculptures, Ripollés also creates beautiful sculptures in colored glass. Very typical of his sculptures is that both sides of the head have a different surprising representation. This is called ‘doble cara’, or two faces. Ripollés had a twin brother who unfortunately passed away at a young age. The two faces are a reflection of the two brothers. In recent years, Ripollés has focused more on creating paintings and large monumental sculptures that stand in public spaces in Spain, France, and the Netherlands (Den Bosch / Ede).