SANTIAGO YBANEZ
Bio
Santiago Ydáñez, born in Jaén in 1967, is a painter whose work has gained significant international recognition. His distinctive figurative style has established him as an unmistakable figure in the contemporary art scene.
Throughout his career, Ydáñez has received notable awards, including the 33rd BMW Painting Prize in 2018, the ABC Award in 2002, and the prestigious scholarship from the Colegio de España in Rome in 2016.
His artistic vision draws inspiration from his childhood memories, particularly those associated with nature and the rural customs of his upbringing. His work is also richly infused with references to art history and the broader history of humanity, often conveying ethical and political messages within his compositions.
As a painter with classical themes, Ydáñez is renowned for the expressiveness he imparts to his depictions of animals, individuals, and religious iconography. He approaches his creations with rapid work sessions, capturing the essence of his subjects through broad, expressive, and energetic brushwork. His pieces are characterized by the use of a limited color palette, often gravitating towards a monochromatic or grayscale range, which lends a distinctive and evocative quality to his art.
Santiago Ydáñez's work can be found in prestigious collections such as the Fundación Botín in Santander, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, the DKV Collection, the CAC in Málaga, the Museo Sofía Ímber in Venezuela, the Diputación de Jaén, the Colección ABC in Madrid, and the Colección CGAC in Galicia, among others. His contributions to the contemporary art scene are highly regarded both nationally and internationally.
Statement
Santiago Ydáñez's body of work is a visual testament to the complexity of the human experience and nature itself. Through a unique blend of realism and abstraction, Ydáñez presents an intriguing vision of life and the beauty that lies within the ordinary.
His paintings reflect his ability to capture the essence of existence, with a particular focus on the relationship between humans and nature. Whether portraying individuals or animals, his portraits convey a profound humanity and a connection to the surrounding environment.
Ydáñez's color palette, often reduced to monochromatic tones or near-black and white, adds an ethereal and timeless quality to his works. This contrasts with the expressiveness of his brushwork, which is broad and energetic, capturing the vitality of his subjects.
Through his work, Ydáñez also weaves references to art history and addresses ethical and political issues. His paintings are both a celebration of beauty and a reminder of the complexities of human existence.
Santiago Ydáñez's works have found a prominent place in prestigious collections worldwide, reflecting the universality and relevance of his art. His ability to lead viewers into deep reflection about life and their relationship with the surrounding world makes his work a valuable contribution to the world of contemporary art.
