Montse Barberà Pujol: Fashion, Fine Art, and a Life of Color​Ewan Shah

“The expression of emotions through color is the heart of my works.”

A Journey Rooted in Design and Self-Expression

Montse Barberà Pujol, a distinguished contemporary Spanish artist and fashion designer, brings an extensive background in fashion to her work, marked by an impressive breadth of creative experience. Graduating from Ramon Llull-ESDI University in 2003, she launched her career in the fashion industry, creating everything from clothing and accessories to merchandise. Montse’s hands-on experience extends beyond the design studio; she has managed entire production cycles, leading design teams, and overseeing distribution across multiple countries. In addition to her work in fashion, she has run a successful online business for over a decade, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. Throughout this journey, Montse has never strayed far from her artistic roots, consistently integrating her creative impulses with her professional endeavors.

In her art, Montse finds an unfiltered means to express her innermost emotions, choosing abstract forms and vibrant colors that resonate with her soul. Her paintings are more than visual experiences; they are reflections of her personal evolution and emotional landscape. Music, a constant companion in her creative process, fuels her work, infusing her canvases with dynamic energy and rhythm. Montse sees color as a universal language, using it to evoke emotions that can transform viewers’ inner states, filling their days with positivity and joy. This artistic philosophy not only grounds her work but also mirrors her philosophy of life—a celebration of the beauty in expression and the transformative power of art.

Montse Barberà Pujol: Finding Inspiration in Life’s Colors

Montse’s journey into art was sparked by an early inclination toward creativity, which stood out from a young age. She has always felt a natural pull toward the visual arts, excelling in fine arts from her school years, experimenting with painting, ceramics, and an impressive command of color. This intrinsic artistic curiosity eventually led her to pursue a degree in Textile and Fashion Design, merging her love for aesthetics with professional purpose. Over her decade-long career in the fashion industry, Montse continued to nurture her creative side, balancing the demands of her design work with a personal commitment to painting.

Now, Montse has expanded her artistic reach by exhibiting her work in art galleries, both in physical spaces and online, enjoying the immersive experience of connecting with audiences on a deeper level. This recent venture into the art world reflects her passion for sharing her visual language with a broader public. The gallery experience has not only allowed her to showcase her work but has also enriched her personal and creative growth, offering her a new platform to articulate her ideas and emotions. Montse’s style is deeply rooted in abstraction and vibrant color palettes, with an emphasis on creating art that brings positivity and vitality to those who engage with it.

Her abstract compositions serve as emotional landscapes, each one a joyful expression that resonates with viewers’ inner worlds. The bright, lively colors she chooses are not just aesthetic choices; they are intentional decisions to uplift, aiming to infuse a sense of joy into her audience’s lives. Through her art, Montse seeks to create a harmonious blend of energy and tranquility, resulting in pieces that transform spaces and elevate moods, aligning with her goal of making art an uplifting experience for all.

The Colorful Soul of a Versatile Artist

Montse Barberà Pujol’s workspace reflects her versatility and spontaneous approach to art. Unlike artists who require specific setups or elaborate studios, she adapts to any environment, improvising with whatever materials and tools are available. Her creative process is marked by experimentation and flexibility, often employing unconventional items in her work to achieve unique textures and effects. This intuitive approach allows her to channel her emotions onto the canvas directly, capturing the raw immediacy of her feelings in each piece. For Montse, art is about capturing the essence of the moment, translating her experiences into colors and shapes without pretense or restriction.

Influenced by some of the greats in abstract art, including Van Gogh, Kandinsky, and Delaunay, Montse draws inspiration from their exploration of color, emotion, and movement. Although her style is distinct, she shares their passion for creating works that stir emotional responses. Her admiration extends to other artistic luminaries like Monet, Munch, and Miró, whose approaches to form and color have informed her understanding of artistic expression. While she draws from these influences, her work maintains a unique voice, combining elements of abstract artistry with a personal touch that is unmistakably her own.

Montse’s dedication to her craft is further evident in her choice of mediums. Starting with gouache, she found her way to acrylic, a medium she feels holds boundless potential. Acrylic offers her the vibrancy and fluidity she seeks, allowing her to capture the intensity of her emotions with immediacy. Although open to experimenting with oil paints in the future, she currently feels a profound connection with acrylics, which enable her to immerse herself fully in the creative moment. For Montse, every brushstroke is a celebration of the present, a commitment to her art’s ability to inspire and move others.

Montse Barberà Pujol: Artwork that Tells a Story

Certain works in Montse’s portfolio hold profound personal significance, each one a narrative of a moment, emotion, or memory. “Light in the Darkness,” for instance, was among her first pieces to be exhibited in a gallery in Genoa, marking an important milestone in her artistic career. The piece captures her emotional journey during that period, embodying both her growth and the challenges she faced. Another work, “Vibes,” resonates on a deeply personal level, as it reflects her bond with her children, translating her love and connection into a vivid, emotional composition. In “Colors,” Montse finds her true essence, describing this painting as a pure reflection of her unique style, an artwork that encapsulates her artistic identity and creative philosophy.

“Kaleidoscope” represents another cherished moment in Montse’s journey, winning an award in Italy and gaining recognition for its originality. This piece, like many in her collection, showcases her love for color and movement, engaging viewers in a dynamic interplay of hues and forms. “Lake with Fishes” is one of her personal favorites, an artwork she cherishes for its harmonious color combinations and the sense of peace it evokes. Another standout piece, “Happy 08,” brings together her vibrant color palette in a way that she feels is quintessentially “her,” a true reflection of her joyous approach to art.

One of her more experimental works, “Love in Water,” demonstrates her range by incorporating figurative elements into her abstract style. While diverging slightly from her usual approach, this piece maintains the essence of her work—emotionally charged and grounded in color. For Montse, these works are not just paintings; they are pieces of her personal narrative, each one a testament to her journey as an artist. Through them, she invites viewers to experience her emotions, filling their spaces with the joy and vitality she so passionately conveys.