July 20, 2025
It’s said that Churchill read classics as part of his preparation for his speeches to the nation, and I’m convinced that reading Don Quixote makes me express myself better. In painting, too, when I observe the greats who have come before us, I undoubtedly learn, I train my eye.
The other day I went to see the Ayaku Rokkaku exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with my good friend and great artist Natxo Arteta. Since we were at the temporary exhibition, we wanted to explore the museum’s second floor. There you’ll find Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art; Picasso, a key figure of Cubism; Hopper, famous for his solitary urban scenes; Mondrian, the founder of geometric abstract art; Malevich, who led Russian Suprematism; de Kooning, a representative of American Abstract Expressionism… and so many others. The 20th century is there. I’m moved by the work of others who paved the way, and I’d also recommend that you observe and enjoy what the greats have done in whatever you like. Other sources of inspiration for me are: reading, music, a walk in nature—and also in the city—and a good conversation with a friend. And you, what inspires you?
