José Molina
José Molina, born in 1965 in Madrid and residing in Como, is a Spanish artist whose career transformation from advertising to painting at age 35 led him towards a profound, expressive art style.
Beginning formal training at just 11 and launching his first solo exhibition, "Morir para vivir," in 2004 in Milan, Molina explores themes of human condition, societal interaction, and self-awareness through diverse techniques like oil painting and ink sketches.
His work has been showcased in prestigious venues across Italy, such as Milan’s Triennale and Rome’s Real Academia de España, and globally from New York to Asia.
Molina’s current series, "A Hero Never Dies," integrates pop culture icons with classical art elements, continuing his exploration of societal roles and heroism.
JOSÉ MOLINA: BIOGRAPHY
José Molina is a Spanish artist, born in 1965 in Madrid and currently residing in Como. Molina initiated formal artistic training at the age of 11 at various art schools, including the prestigious Real Academia des Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid. Art has surrounded Molina his entire life, however, having recalled experimenting with brushes and pencils far before any schooling. At eighteen, Molina ventured into the realm of visual communication, engaging with media ranging from advertising to television and multimedia. His career took a drastic turn at 35 when he decided to leave the advertising world behind and commit solely to painting, a shift motivated by his quest for a deeper, more meaningful form of expression. This transition marked a pivotal moment in Molina's life, setting the stage for his full dedication to exploring and enhancing his artistic talents.
JOSÉ MOLINA’S EARLY CAREER
In 2004, only four years after making the career change, José Molina earned the prestigious Sappi Award for the best editorial product with the publication of his first artist's book Ojos. That same year, he launched his first solo exhibition entitled Morir para vivir in Milan, which was characterized by deep self-examination and psychological insight. This exhibition explored themes such as human lethargy, the ability to overcome personal weaknesses, and the passivity with which individuals forfeit their free will, allowing fears and inactivity to dominate their lives. Molina employed a variety of artistic techniques including oil paint and ink sketches, utilizing these mediums as metaphors for the path he chose to follow, a path marked by radical but uncertain choices.
From 2005 to 2007, Molina’s focus shifted towards exploring the complex relationship between individuals and society through his series Predatores. This collection featured thirty-seven characters depicted as distorted human figures with exaggerated features, such as oversized teeth, noses, and eyes. These surreal representations were intended to confront the viewer with the necessity of self-awareness and societal consciousness.
In a stylistic shift, Molina spent three years predominantly working in black and white, which led to his 2010 series Cosas Humanas, comprised of twelve large oil paintings on panel. This series represented a return to color and was a tribute to the vibrant beauty of the world, albeit through characters whose deformities and unnatural proportions challenge traditional societal notions, reflecting the beauty in imperfection.
JOSÉ MOLINA’S CURRENT WORKS
Molina’s journey into the exploration of the human soul continues to evolve, as seen in his latest series A Hero Never Dies, where he diverges from the intense tones of earlier works to embrace a palette of vibrant colors. This collection is more lighthearted in nature than his prior series, merging plastic Lego figures with the iconic visages of Western art, celebrities, and superheroes. Notable pieces include Freddie Mercury in the British Queen’s attire wielding a microphone scepter, the Mona Lisa reimagined as Wonder Woman, and the biblical David as a youthful Superman. This series aims not to mythologize these figures but to bring them closer to contemporary societal contexts, prompting viewers to reconsider the concept of heroism today. This blending of familiar pop culture elements with classic art forms serves to bridge the gap between historical heroism and modern-day figures, making statements about identity and the role of individuals in shaping societal values.
THEMES IN JOSÉ MOLINA’S ARTWORKS
José Molina's artistic skill is visible in his mastery of various mediums and techniques. From the meticulousness in his oil paintings to the expressive details of his ink sketches, each piece is a testament to his technical excellence. Molina also enriches his artworks with layers of meaning, employing symbolism extensively and challenging viewers to uncover the messages hidden within. His photorealistic works are crafted to transcend traditional photography, looking to deliver a sort of visual short circuit to the viewer through surrealism. This stylistic choice aims to foster a deep, introspective examination of the art and its broader implications. Molina’s artwork extends beyond mere representation, though, to also serve as a dynamic platform for socio-political discourse, addressing critical contemporary issues such as power dynamics, social justice, and human rights. Molina employs subtle visual cues and storytelling to get these themes across to the viewer, encouraging reflection on society today.
EXHIBITIONS WITH JOSE MOLINA ARTWORKS
José Molina's art has received acclaim both in Italy and internationally. His artworks have graced the halls of some of Milan's most prestigious institutions, such as la Triennale, Fondazione Stelline, Fondazione Mudima, and Museo Poldi Pezzoli. His pieces can be found at various other cities in Italy, such as at Rome's Real Academia de España, Caserta's Reggia di Caserta, Modena's Palazzo Ducale, and Bressanone's Museo Civico. Molina's reach extends far beyond Italy, however, with his works having been showcased in major international venues. He has held exhibitions at Able Fine Art Gallery in New York and the Context Art Fair at Miami Art Week, as well as locations across Asia.
JOSÉ MOLINA ORIGINAL ART FOR SALE ONLINE ON DEODATO.US
If you are interested in José Molina art for sale, you can find the original artwork online on our website. These artworks are hand-signed by the artist, and provided with a certificate of authenticity.
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