Interview
Darryl Eisden
Darryl Eisden is a Dutch-Caribbean artist based in Barcelona, working primarily with plastiline combined with traditional clay molding techniques. His artistic vision is centered on bringing movement to sculpture—making static forms feel alive, breathe, and exist in a modern, dynamic way. He describes his work as “graffiti in sculpture,” breaking conventional expectations of the medium. Movement has always been an integral part of Darryl’s life. Having lived in multiple countries and cities, he has never known a static existence, and this fluidity deeply influences his art. His sculptures challenge the idea of stillness, embodying the rhythm and energy of change. Originally a musician, Darryl transitioned into sculpture, finding a familiar space for self-expression in a new form. His work continues to push the boundaries of sculpture, redefining how it can be experienced. His most recent exhibition is at Nau Bostik, Barcelona.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’m originally from Curaçao, a small island in the Caribbean, but I spent my youth in the Netherlands before moving to Spain. You could say my life is divided into thirds - one-third in the Caribbean, one-third in the Netherlands, and one-third in Spain. My artistic journey actually began in music; I was a songwriter signed to Universal Publishing Netherlands and performed extensively, including in Ibiza. Music was my first creative language, but over time, I found a new form of expression in sculpture. The transition felt natural because both art forms revolve around movement and energy.”
What inspires you?
“Barcelona has been my home for 17 years, and moving here was the best decision I ever made. I always say, ‘Barcelona is the biggest museum in the world.’ Art is everywhere - in the streets, in the people, in the architecture. The city's vibrancy fuels my creativity, and its constant motion aligns perfectly with the themes I explore in my work.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Movement is at the core of everything I create. My sculptures challenge the traditional idea of stillness, making static forms feel alive. I explore themes of transformation, fluidity, and how we navigate space and time. My work often reflects the rhythm of life - how we move through different places, experiences, and identities. I also enjoy integrating interactive elements, like QR codes in my exhibitions, which allow viewers to engage with the work beyond its physical form.”
How would you describe your work?
“I describe my work as ‘graffiti in sculpture.’ I work primarily with plastiline and clay molding techniques to create pieces that seem to breathe and shift, capturing a sense of motion within a static medium. My goal is to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture and make it feel alive - just like music has rhythm, my sculptures have movement.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Interestingly, I find a lot of inspiration in musicians rather than traditional visual artists. From Prince to Pharrell Williams to Paco de Lucia - all are innovators who break boundaries and redefine their art forms. They have distinct styles that make their work instantly recognizable, and that’s something I strive for in my sculptures.”
“My goal is to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture and make it feel alive - just like music has rhythm, my sculptures have movement.”
What is your creative process like?
“I start by sketching ideas in my head, often inspired by personal experiences or stories I hear. If an idea feels right, I move on to sculpting. My process is very intuitive - I aim to create something visually striking while also embedding a deeper narrative, often related to movement.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists bring awareness. We create conversations, whether through beauty, disruption, or experimentation. For example, I love social experiments. I recently made a sculpture of a man holding a mobile phone while walking, representing modern distractions. I placed it in an abandoned space in my neighborhood just to observe people's reactions. You can find the making-of video on my Instagram under ‘DistrArte.’ Art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about engagement.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One of my most recent solo exhibition was at Nau Bostik in Barcelona. It was an important milestone because it encapsulated my concept of movement within stillness. I also integrated QR codes beneath each sculpture, allowing visitors to scan and uncover stories connected to movement. This interactive layer ensured that while the sculptures remained physically still, the ideas behind them continued to move.”
Website: darryleisden.com
Instagram: @eisden_art
