Toni Sanchez — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

May 2

May 2 Toni Sanchez

Biography

Toni Sanchez was born in Valencia, Spain. His work has been informed by the time he spent in the United States, poring over American culture, studying very closely the rock and roll lifestyle of the ’50s and 60’s, the lifestyles of the various pop artists the movement generated, and the paintings they produced. Toni seized the opportunity to paint using Ben-Day dots to create brilliant works satisfying his perfectionist leanings. He has been commissioned by UNESCO. Toni exhibits around the world and has a global following. He was the winner of the Global Art Awards in Dubai for two consecutive years (2017 & 2018), as well as the winner of several art awards in Europe.

Artist Statement

I’m Toni Sanchez, fully dedicated to paint with Ben-Day dots. My paintings are big size, because I like to impact the audience with larger scales, that are difficult to paint equally. My colors are vibrant, powerful, primary, mixing the benday dots to create 3d optical effects with 2d images, and also color combinations without mixing the colors, just overlapping. Geometry is very important in my paintings, creating volumes and order. My favorite painting is the portrait since each of them is a challenge to present a recognizable face painted with ben day dots. I also like to paint scenes from the 50’s and 60’s of couples, girls and lovers, but superheroes and famous characters from television and movies are my favorite. I paint with the Benday dots technique because it is very difficult to do, especially in portraits, and because there is no one else painting like this, so that my works are unique, totally hand-painted, without a computer, collage or printing. Everything is paint, and a lot of patience. My art is present in several countries of the world, I participate in art competitions, and I enjoy going to artistic events to meet other artists and art lovers.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

It is the only idea to leave a good memory for the future. Painting is the oldest vestige of humanity. Thousands of years ago, the first human painted figures and animals in caves. They are the cave paintings, which today are still visible and are admired by everyone. I want to do the same since I was a kid: to leave nice artworks in this world to be admired forever.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I would like to become an artist loved by everyone, with my acts and art lasting forever.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

I like to communicate to the viewer what is possible to do with only canvases and some paint, creating love scenes or showing portraits of famous people. A lot of emotions in front of you, a lot of beauty, a lot of love, all in a single canvas. This is the same feeling that a song can do through your ears but with my paintings through your eyes: reaching to your heart.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

This is different, depending of the kind of work. For the portraits, a lot of work must be done. First step is to draw the lines in the canvas, separating the darker areas from the lighter areas of benday dots, that will create the 3D effect, but painted in 2D. Once the lines and forms are done, I start to paint the light dots first and after the darker dots. When they are done, dry enough, I paint the plain colors, and finally, with a lot of patience, I paint all the black color. If I decide to put diamond dust in some parts of the painting, this is done as the very last part of the process.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

I love all the parts of the creative process of my paintings, but the most emotive moment is when I start to paint the black color, and then, the painting comes to life. I love these moments, when the eyes, the hair, the lips, gets life.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

Right now, is going to be released my painting done for the Formula 1 Sauber Team (Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN), for the 50th Anniversary. This is a very special commission, a big painting, featuring the F1 world champions drivers, and the Sauber iconic racing cars. Actually, working as well in new portraits of icons and my favorite love scenes form the 50’s and 60’s.

Website www.tonisanchez.com

Instagram toni_sanchez_pop_art

Facebook Toni Sanchez POP ART