Contemporary Large Still Life

The paintings of Spain’s Martín Burguillo are influenced by the expansive world of advertising and provide a modern interpretation of POP art. Burguillo creates a series of work with a very visual language in which the main protagonists are simple objects of consumption- department store bags (which we see every day without paying much attention), cups, books, bottles and other objects that are part of our daily lives. He successfully manages to create harmonious works full of color which convey the joy of living, yet also remind us that everything is consumable, and that the packaging sometimes becomes the main protagonist of our lives. 

Artist Statement

I have been professionally dedicated to painting since 2002. I have always created in a figurative space. Since 2004 my painting adopted a clear realistic component, inspired largely by the Pop art movement, and is very influenced by the advertising world. My latest works reflect a critical and sometimes ironic vision of the wild consumerism that surrounds us.

Martin Burguillo’s works offer a modern interpretation of pop art, a genre rooted in challenging traditions of fine art by uplifting imagery from popular and mass culture. As its aim was to use images from “popular” (as opposed to elitist) culture in art, there is frequently a sense of irony in these works. Continuing the theme of focusing on the commonplace that his pop art precursors first established in the mid 20th century, Burguillo uses department store bags from mid level businesses because they are so entrenched in daily life. Similar to Andy Warhol’s iconic rendition of Campbell’s soup cans, a mass produced and consumed product, Burguillo combines fine art with commercial culture.