Interview
Emilio Cardona
Born and raised in Mallorca, Emilio never had a formal art education, nature taught him everything. The sea, mountains and light of home shaped how he looks and how he draws. Since his childhood, he has always had a pencil in hand. Over the years, Emilio began to explore light, shadow, colour and the atmosphere of each piece. That instinct evolved into his own visual language. Art has felt essential as it reflects, questions, comforts, and reveals. If you look at his recent works—like the mixed‐media fish studies, underwater scenes of Km 0 I‐IV or Javier en Formentera, you’ll see a fascination with abstracted creatures and fluid forms. These pieces emerge from moods, memory, fleeting moments—not literal scenes but echoes of nature and solitude. Emilio moves between landscapes, still lives, and motifs that he revisits over time in new ways. Most importantly, he believes his soul was made for art. Through drawing and painting, he’s discovered meaning, connection and a language beyond words.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I've known I wanted to be an artist since I was four or five. I'm entirely self-taught—my education has come from observing nature, visiting museums, reading, and consistently practicing. Art has always been at the center of my life, and I've devoted myself to growing through it.”
What inspires you?
“I’m inspired by atmosphere, how light, colour, and space come together to create a mood. I live on the island of Mallorca, and its beaches, sea, and changing light deeply influence my landscapes. The sea, fish, flowers, and architecture appear in my work, but often they are just a pretext. The real drive is the need to paint. Travel also shapes my vision, with memories of cities, deserts, markets, and oceans feeding my imagination. The trip to Pompeii was particularly inspiring for me. I grew up in a market, the child of butchers, and spent my early years surrounded by the raw beauty of meat, vegetables, and fish. While I’ve always been fascinated by the dynamic, living world, I’ve found myself more drawn to capturing still life scenes. Instead of painting animals in motion, I focus on their stillness—on the quiet beauty of their forms in the context of everyday life. This connection to the market and its rhythms continues to influence my still life paintings today.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I aim to convey something personal yet simple—nothing too complicated or sad. My focus is on universal themes like food, towns or everyday scenes. I want my work to be accessible and relatable, without diving too deeply into personal or complex narratives. It's about capturing the beauty in the ordinary.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as pure passion. It’s a way for me to express what’s happening around me and within me through paint. Art allows me to communicate in ways that words or music can't—it's my personal language, driven by deep emotion and feeling.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The Spanish Baroque, especially Velázquez and de Ribera, as well as the Italian Renaissance and Dutch schools, have been major influences. I’m also drawn to the Impressionists, especially Picasso and Dadaism. In a more contemporary context, I admire the work of Miquel Barceló and Anselm Kiefer. I’ve studied art history in depth, from prehistoric art to the Baroque, but I don’t connect as much with Pop Art, abstract art, or hyperrealism—they feel less emotional to me. Overall, the Baroque stands out as a key influence.”
“I would describe my work as pure passion. It’s a way for me to express what’s happening around me and within me through paint.”
What is your creative process like?
“I usually have a clear idea of what I’m going to paint, but the process always feels like a journey. I know the direction, but unexpected things unfold along the way. I embrace that, letting my imagination flow freely and staying open to what each piece becomes. I paint on paper and use whatever I have at hand—pastels, crayons, markers, acrylics, dry plants, seaweed, etc. Each material brings a new possibility, and every painting feels like a step forward. I’m drawn to that sense of discovery, of not repeating myself, of always chasing something just out of reach. Literature is also a deep source of inspiration. At one point, I began creating three-dimensional works using books as the physical platform for my paintings. It was a way to merge my love of reading and visual art. These pieces pushed beyond the flat surface, inviting a more tactile, immersive experience. The sculptural form echoed what literature does so well—it unfolds, reveals, and invites the viewer to step inside. In recent years, epoxy resin has become part of my process. I first used it to avoid glass, but soon found it acted like another colour—adding depth, texture, and presence. It’s now a key part of my visual language.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe the role of the artist will stay the same: to capture and reflect the world around them, whether it’s the beauty of everyday life, shared emotions, or our connections with nature and culture. Art helps us understand and experience things beyond words. While society and technology may evolve, art’s role will remain rooted in provoking thought, evoking emotion, and offering new perspectives. The challenge for artists will always be to stay true to the passion and simplicity that make art so powerful, even as trends come and go.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“The most meaningful exhibition for me is the ongoing project at Emilio Cardona Gallery, where I present my work in a space that is both my atelier and my gallery. Another key moment was my individual exhibition at Can Boni in Mallorca, Arte y Luz 2022. I also had a memorable experience at Galerie H22 Wiesbaden, presenting my art to an international audience. Other significant exhibitions include Nit del Art 2021 in Mallorca and major art fairs like Art Fair Paris 2019 and Art Fair Luxembourg 2018. Exhibiting my work in Mallorca is a true joy, as the local landscapes I portray deeply resonate with my audience. I’m thrilled to share this journey at Emilio Cardona Gallery, where I connect with visitors and clients daily in Palma de Mallorca’s old town. You're always welcome to drop by.”
Website: www.emiliocardonagallery.com
Instagram: @emiliocardonagallery
