INTERVIEW
Hello Juan, first of all, we would like you to define yourself: biography and work in a few words. We never were good at introductions.
I am from Madrid, the son of parents who emigrated from the south of Spain and of a painter. I trained in the classical school, as an apprentice in the workshop of a Master of painting, and then expanded my knowledge at the Madrid School of Fine Arts (now defunct).
I worked making television sets and started doing exhibitions, taking advantage of my father's contacts to get started. I was part of Idealiza as artistic director, a company that built theme parks. Currently, I am part of the Taller7 engraving workshop and I continue doing a bit of all this.
My work could be defined as realistic impressionism. It is very varied in terms of theme, but in its essence, light is appreciated and the colours blue and yellow predominate.
Is a painter born or made?
A painter is born and develops in an appropriate environment: family, studies, and the country where they live. When someone discovers their art in maturity, it is not that they have "made" themselves, but rather that circumstances have been favourable to reveal that hidden talent.
Does art for Juan del Pozo have a purpose or does it arise as a simple coincidence?
Art has a purpose. It is not only a means of living; my goal is to communicate light, capture the moment in the most everyday things and the silence that one finds contemplating something beautiful.
What are your most notable influences inside and outside painting?
Oils, engravings, murals... We observe an intriguing variety in the techniques. Do you have a favourite? Why?
I don't have a favourite technique. I have always thought that the artist is a vehicle for communication, and the more components that vehicle has, the farther it will go.
We are not experts in painting, but we have observed the importance of colour and light in your work. Is it so? In that case, why?
Good observation. I simply try to capture life itself, allowing the work to speak and have a life of its own.
Van Gogh said: "Art is man added to nature". Do you agree with Vincent?
Yes, it is fine. I suppose it can be interpreted as meaning that man must find himself in nature and not flee from it, and in nature, express art. Van Gogh was very saddened when, for example, a thatched roof was replaced by a slate one.
Your artistic work is very varied, covering urban landscapes, outdoor spaces, interiors. Where does inspiration most naturally turn into painting?
The question is an answer in itself: in nature, outdoors. The sea, in particular, I like a lot... and who doesn't, right?
Do you have any "fetish" location to paint?
When I paint in the studio, I always need to have a mirror or a window in front of me. I need air in front of me; I can't paint without resting my sight on a horizon, even if it is four metres away.
What is the most costly work you have done but at the same time the most rewarding?
When I was artistic director at Idealiza, I had the chance to direct a great team and have a lot of resources. I did many works, but the one that excited me the most was the set design of a live landscape of the Ruidera lagoons. It was a big project, with waterfalls, a large mural and wheat that moved with fans, something similar to the scenery in a movie, the living expression of nature in motion. It was gratifying to see that everything did not collapse and that the water did not drown the spectators. (laughs)
Do you consider a prize as a reward, a symbol, a recognition, or simply an act of no importance?
Prizes serve to build a curriculum. Later, when one has a certain background in this world, I don't see it necessary to compete for prizes; one should make way for those starting out. Many artists compete for very important and well-paid prizes, and work hard for it. The competition is fierce, similar to those who sit for public administration exams.
Which museum, exhibition, or art gallery do you remember with special affection?
I fondly remember an exhibition I did at Barajas airport when I was 19. My friends came to see me, and the room was very beautiful, you could see all the planes. Another curious one was at the Railway Museum of Madrid, where I exhibited in a carriage. Galleries have their cachet, but many people feel intimidated by the very elegant atmosphere. They seem a bit distant from the ordinary people, perhaps due to education.
This is a bit abstract and complicated to answer, but how would you explain to a child what it feels like to walk through the Louvre, the Sistine Chapel, the Prado Museum, etc.?
You have to look at children and discover in their eyes the capacity for wonder that adults have lost. We should imitate them. Explanations are unnecessary, as true art speaks to the heart. How does a strawberry taste? It is difficult to explain; it is better to eat it.
From your website, we have extracted this text fragment: "The painter has the same responsibility, as he should not ambition anything in particular, simply let art flow finding inspiration in the work to communicate and capture the artistic essence, so that others can enjoy it in the form of emotion". Is painting for you a fundamental form of human expression and communication?
Painting, as just another technique, is not fundamental. There are many means of artistic expression that communicate, but it is the technique that can most precisely reproduce what we want to communicate on a simple canvas.
The diffusion of art has changed with the introduction of new technological means (high-quality photographs, social networks, online storage and exhibition). How has this phenomenon influenced your work?
Yes, it has influenced it. Before, only the few who attended exhibitions could see the work. Now, many people can enjoy and share an artist's work. Moreover, on an illuminated screen, the work comes to life. It is exciting to see the light of a Sorolla just as he saw it. Although the textures are enjoyed more on a live canvas, the light is not appreciated as well as on a screen.
Online sales work very well for small works. Many galleries that sell in small formats are counting their days, but the user needs to be educated. We already know that online shopping has taken time to establish itself.
Do you think in this way you can bring art closer to people who do not have physical access to art galleries, exhibitions, museums, etc.?
Yes, of course.
Is the artist rebellious by nature or just another cliché?
The artist is revolutionary. The true artist revolts against himself, against everything and everyone. There are pseudo-artists who use this cliché to strengthen their ego and achieve economic and social returns. These people are enemies of sentiment and attack with their pseudo-art at the emotional centre, destroying any hint of sensitivity that the person has, without them realising the damage they are receiving. It is like going deaf from enduring disproportionate and deformed noises.
We not only eat and breathe; we also have to take care of what enters our eyes and ears, as the spirit feeds on it. Unfortunately, the spirit is deteriorating, as we see from the facts.
Lastly, we want to thank you for your participation and recommend all readers to visit your website and enjoy your work as much as we have. Anything to add?