Interview
Sergi Muñoz Lozano
Sergi Muñoz was born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1994. He was always in the art world, as his mother was a painter when he was young.
Sergi studied illustration and graphic design, and later graduated in mural arts, in Barcelona, Escola Massana, where he developed and learned various techniques such as glass, mosaic, photography, etc.
But he was always most drawn towards painting, and that is what he decided to focus on. Sergi is deeply interested in psychology and the human mind, from where his faces are born - the most subconscious part of his mind.
His painting is dynamic and energetic, having many layers of information in each work.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art has always been part of my life and studies. At the age of nineteen, I started exhibiting locally and quickly became known as Mlozanoart.
I was selected to exhibit in a group exhibition that was held at a new Gallery in Poblenou, Barcelona. The Filippo Ioco Studio & Gallery. This experience gave me an insight into exhibiting my art to a broader audience.
After the exhibition, I became a represented resident artist of the gallery for several years. Recently the Gallery closed its doors, but after having many exhibitions, showcases, and a large-scale solo in Museum Rubí, I walked away with great experience and friendship.
Currently, I am represented by Fabienne Yot at Artevistas Gallery, and am surrounded by great artists, who are both a source of inspiration and growth to me.
Now at 27 years of age, I feel I have come full circle in evolution and growth, continuing to open horizons for myself within the art world.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My portraits show asymmetries and different faces in one. We are so disconnected with ourselves that it is difficult for us to know who we really are sometimes, and because, in life, we have different social roles which we have made through our environment. For this reason, my portraits are never clear or perfectionist. Rather, they are a search and transformation.
The origin of what we are, versus all that we are through our interpersonal relationships.”
“In my work, I try to expose a reflection of society, and more so today with the abundance of technology, as we tend to be in constant external connection and very little with our deepest, wildest being.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“I have never liked to follow what is trending. I follow everything that inspires me. Basquiat's neo-expressionism and primitivism, for example, will always be a trend for me. Social and street photography is also something that strongly connects me with my work. Abstract expressionism and even minimalism give me many elements that later serve to balance my works.
The daily life of the people I know, and myself, can inspire me. I suppose that the trends, in addition to what is fashionable because it generates more followers, are the ones that generate personal movement for one.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I don’t plan beyond knowing what works or how many pieces I would like to bring to an exhibition. In life, we already have too many rules and time planning.”
“Art is that space where everything flows and speaks for itself. So I listen and let myself go, improvise each work and thus the result seems more interesting to me on a visual level - you can see the processes in the final work itself.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“As I said before, the process is purely spontaneous and does not follow a very clear pattern, beyond what the painting itself tells me and I build from there.
I use various materials - mostly spray paint and acrylic paint because as it dries it allows me to play more and faster within the work. I also use oil, ink, collage paper, markers, and anything that can be used to execute a finished creation.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My truth, my vision, and my freedom. It's a way of being able to speak when I can't find words or don't want to use them. Creating a work from scratch is something that frees me, since only my hands can do it. I feel that, in part, it is a form of personal therapy and constant introspection.
I know myself through art. Like my works, which are built from the destruction of layers and the construction of others, we are in constant vital evolution.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite artwork, and the only piece not for sale, was a gift to someone very special. As I was painting it, I had a very strong connection and emotional bond to it. Through this process I also discovered that I could do other things.
Of all the works I have created, I could not tell you which one is my favorite, I think they all hold a special part in me.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I would have to say that my first solo at the Filippo Ioco Studio & Gallery is where I began to see the seriousness and professionalism of the business, followed by the Museum Rubi with the presentation of the exhibition catalog and biography.
Now it continues with Artevistas Gallery as we work on new ideas and art such as my recent exhibition ‘Interior Departure’ which was successfully received by the public.”
Instagram: @mlozanoart
