Christophe Avella Bagur: Influences, Mediums, and the Art of Tomorrow
Avella Bagur’s artistic influences span centuries and disciplines, reflecting his extensive study of art history. He traces his visual language back to the Flemish primitives, the dramatic chiaroscuro of Caravaggio, and the psychological depth of Goya. He is equally drawn to the technical mastery of Vermeer and Rembrandt, as well as the innovations of modern artists like Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Beyond painting, photography has played a crucial role in shaping his perspective, with figures such as Robert Frank, William Klein, and Duane Michals leaving a lasting impact. Literature, too, remains central to his worldview, with poets like Baudelaire and the early 20th-century Japanese writer Ishikawa Takuboku influencing his artistic sensibilities.
His approach to materials is equally diverse. Initially working with acrylic binders and hand-mixed pigments, he later transitioned to oil paint, which he considers the most versatile and expressive medium. However, his practice extends beyond traditional painting—his works in Indian ink incorporate Asian techniques, and his use of graphite achieves striking levels of depth. Though sculpture is a smaller component of his output, he has experimented with materials such as resin, steel, clay, and wood, treating them with a painter’s sensibility rather than a sculptor’s approach.
One of his most significant works, Face FS4 The Monk, embodies the fusion of his influences and ideas. Created in 2004, this painting marked the beginning of the Face Floating Souls series, blending humanoid and human elements in a way that redefined his artistic direction. The inspiration for this piece stemmed from his time in Japan, where he was captivated by Kabuki theater and the visual language of Bunraku puppetry. The result was a striking composition featuring a humanoid portrait interwoven with the image of a Shinto monk, rendered on a light-white background with a meticulous brush technique. This revelation set the stage for hundreds of works that followed, solidifying his exploration of identity, transformation, and the evolving nature of humanity.
Looking ahead, he envisions projects that integrate new technologies with painting, creating interactive experiences that further engage the viewer. While technical and financial constraints may currently limit these ambitions, he remains undeterred, seeing artistic thought and intention as the true driving forces behind meaningful work. His focus remains on the present, on the act of creation itself, and on contributing to an artistic legacy that spans millennia.
