Javier de Juan Jaen, Spain, b. 1958

Javier de Juan was born in Jaén in 1958. Initially trained as an architect, he embarked on a prolific career as a visual artist in the 1980s, exploring various disciplines and techniques. Drawing is the cornerstone of his creative process, enabling him to seamlessly navigate between comics, murals, press collaborations, posters, façade projections, and installations.

In 1984, de Juan co-founded the magazine Madriz and has since contributed to numerous cultural publications, including major national newspapers like ABC, El País, and El Mundo. Through his publishing house, Port Said, he has worked to elevate the visibility of Spanish artists both nationally and internationally. His debut solo exhibition took place in 1984 during the Movida Madrileña and Postmodernism era, establishing him as a key figure in the New Spanish Figuration. Since then, he has regularly showcased his work in prestigious galleries and art fairs such as Arco, FIAC, and Kunstmesse Zurich, with a notable anthological exhibition at the Casal Solleric in Palma de Mallorca in 2003.

De Juan's artistic journey has taken him to various global cities, including New York, Paris, Cairo, Marrakech, Essaouira, Malaga, and Mozambique, though he remains deeply connected to Madrid. Since 2006, he has ventured into experimental animated film, collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and the Madrid City Council, as well as private entities, to develop innovative public screening technologies. In 2017, he directed, designed, and animated the documentary El Silencio Roto, addressing the issue of bullying.

Throughout his career, de Juan has received several accolades, including the National Printmaking Award in 1995 and the Pop Eye Award in 2017 for his contributions to visual arts. He has taught courses and lectured at various universities and is currently involved in the master's programs at Carlos III University.

In recent years, de Juan has focused on digital art research, exploring the synergy between movement in 3D tools and analogue painting. His recent works have been displayed in exhibitions such as Recalculando at the Palacio Quintanar in Segovia. He is currently experimenting with digital sculpture using 3D printers.

Javier de Juan's work is part of numerous esteemed collections and museums, including Fundación Telefónica, Fundación Tabacalera, Fundación BBVA, Fundación Juan March, Fundación La Caixa, Fundación AENA, Banco de España, Calcografía Nacional, Lindner Foundation, Teatro Real, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Museo Nacional de Arte Contemporáneo in Seville, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Madrid, Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo in Marbella, and Museo ABC.