10 Questions with Germán Muñoz
Born in 1995 amidst the vibrant landscapes of Querétaro, Mexico, Germán Muñoz is a painter and product designer whose narrative transcends borders and disciplines. Raised in an environment steeped in art history, his early years were a symphony of gallery visits, courtesy of his mother—an art historian passionate about the visual arts. It was during these formative experiences that Germán discovered his affinity for painting, a passion that would accompany him throughout his life.
Surrounded by luminaries of the Mexican art scene, including Leopoldo Flores and Santiago Carbonel, Germán's artistic roots took hold. The decision to pursue Mechanical Engineering at TECNUN Universidad de Navarra initially seemed divergent; however, the beauty found in mathematical intricacies and mechanical problem-solving became an unexpected muse. This newfound appreciation for multi-dimensional space would later infuse his paintings with a unique perspective.
The artistic journey led Germán to Milan, where he embraced both design at Politecnico Di Milano and painting. Daily immersions in art and design exhibitions shaped his creative ethos, culminating in the professional initiation of his painting career in the vibrant city. Meetings with luminaries like Patrick Tuttofuoco, Marco Teatro, Yari Miele, and the revered Rosana Orlandi and Nilufar enriched his artistic tapestry.
Germán Muñoz - Portrait
The fusion of design and art became evident as Germán worked with Germana Agnetti and later served as a design project director for Chiara Dynys. However, the magnetic pull of artistic exploration beckoned him back to Mexico. Collaborations with design studios in the vibrant artistic scene, characterized by innovative design and craftsmanship, became a testament to his commitment to artistic research within his cultural roots.
In a harmonious convergence of friendship and artistry, Germán, along with sculptor Federico Lemoine and painter Jesse Grylls, has cultivated a collective creative journey that began in Milan and continues to blossom. Exhibitions in Italy, France, Mexico, the US, and Spain bear witness to Germán's international impact, with forthcoming showcases in Japan, Taiwan, Italy, Spain, and the USA heralding the next chapter in his global artistic odyssey.
Germán Muñoz invites the world to traverse the multi-dimensional landscapes of his creativity, a journey marked by the interplay of engineering precision, artistic expression, and the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of shared artistic endeavors.
Storm (close up), 2023 © Germán Muñoz
INTERVIEW
First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with images?
Born in 1995 in Queretaro, Mexico, I am a painter and industrial designer specializing in collectible design. My journey into the realm of visual arts began during my childhood, providing solace amid a difficult upbringing. Despite early recognition of my talent, I did not initially envision it as a career.
As I matured, I took a hiatus from painting, only to rediscover its calling with heightened intensity after a watch company I founded faced bankruptcy, leading to a sudden loss of everything. Struggling against this adversity, I embraced the resurgent voice urging me to paint. Constrained by financial limitations, I opted for a cost-effective method, using spray paint with a brush on the same canvases multiple times.
During this period, my artistic exploration leaned towards the conceptual and spatial, guided by a desire for elegance and truth. I painted only what was essential, aiming to evoke profound thoughts and emotions while maintaining an open-ended narrative. Serendipitously, I discovered that illuminating the painting from behind revealed layers of previous compositions. This accidental revelation became a pivotal element, enabling me to express both the evident and the hidden within a single artwork, enriching its depth and complexity.
As you mention in your biography, you first approached art at a young age, thanks to your mum. How much did these experiences influence you and your practice?
Growing up, my mother's extensive knowledge of art history, spanning from cave paintings to contemporary Art, deeply influenced me. As a naturally curious child, I consistently sought her insights, asking about painters and often stealing her art books to marvel at the images. Additionally, I was fortunate to spend considerable time with Leopoldo Flores as he painted.
Beyond sharing her wealth of knowledge, my mother actively nurtured my hands-on exploration of art. She generously granted me the freedom to paint to my heart's content, fostering my creative expression and significantly contributing to my growth as an artist.
Through this immersion in the world of art, studying the works of the great masters across time, I developed a profound perspective on what painting can be. This exposure provided me with a solid foundation, shaping my understanding of what constitutes great Art and helping me distinguish between true artistic brilliance and mediocrity.
And how would you define yourself as an artist nowadays?
Defining myself proves challenging, as my proximity to my work inhibits objectivity. All I can assert is a perpetual state of seeking, an ongoing exploration without a defined destination. Continually striving to enhance this quest has become a central focus for me. Recently, Marusela Granell aptly labeled my approach as "meta-modern," a description that resonates with my artistic perspective.
Susie, resin and raw pigment, 31 x 31cm, 2023 © Germán Muñoz
Money in Babylon, resin and raw pigment, 31 x 31 cm, 2023 © Germán Muñoz
Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your artistic routine when working?
I strongly believe that inspiration is a product of dedication, so I commit to painting for a minimum of 8 hours every day, including weekends. Even when I'm not physically painting, my thoughts are consumed by the next piece. From waking up to falling asleep, I am completely immersed.
The genesis of my paintings often begins with subtle feelings, a breeze, or a dream. From there, I intuitively and subconsciously select colors and commence the painting process. This creative journey involves the collision of thoughts and emotions from the past, present, and future onto the canvas. What I see in myself and what I see in the world.
Despite the intuitive nature of my approach, certain rules guide my work. Each brushstroke must enhance the beauty of the painting, irrespective of the subject. Every stroke adds information or refines existing elements. Mistakes are not setbacks; they are opportunities, provided one doesn't give up. Fear has no place in my process—I embrace risks. Honesty is paramount, and I constantly explore new techniques and mediums to elevate the quality of my work.
Your work is mostly abstract. Why do you use this visual language? And how has it evolved over the years?
I've always been drawn to an abstract language. In my youth, it provided a sense of liberation, allowing me to express myself without constraints. Now, my affinity for abstraction lies in its ability to convey a wealth of information on the canvas, reaching a diverse audience with its expansive bandwidth.
The intricacy of details within each piece cultivates a profound connection, offering viewers a myriad of discoveries within every layer. Embracing abstraction allows me to transcend the limitations of a single topic or symbol, enabling the creation of entire microcosms within my paintings.
My artistic signature is evident throughout my body of work, reflecting my commitment to genuine expression in every stroke. While I've undergone significant personal and artistic transformations, my core perspective and soul endure. This enduring essence is mirrored in the evolution of my techniques, the depth of my paintings, the diverse range of mediums employed, and the spiritual resonance embedded in my creations. As I continue to grow as an individual, my journey as a painter evolves in tandem.
Storm, resin and raw pigment, 31 x 31 cm, 2023 © Germán Muñoz
What about the colors you use? Do they have a specific meaning for you? And how do you choose them?
The colors within my paintings serve as a visual narrative, conveying the overarching feeling, theme, or character that encompasses all the thoughts and memories within the artwork. They act as a unifying force, bringing cohesion to the composition. When colors diverge significantly, it's indicative of ideas in conflict, engaged in a visual dialogue where each hue represents a different facet of the subject. If a painting features a multitude of colors, it likely reflects my ongoing wrestle with the complexity of the topics at hand.
What do you hope that the public takes away from your work? And what messages would you like to convey?
My paintings don't aim to convey a specific message; rather, they serve as mirrors. They're not speeches but reflections, inviting viewers to discover emotions and thoughts within themselves that were previously unknown. My wish for the audience is to make my paintings their own, fostering a personal dialogue with each piece. I encourage them to think freely and, if only for a brief moment, find themselves as they journey through the brushstrokes.
Is there anything else you would like to experiment with? Any new technique or medium you would like to incorporate into your practice?
I'm currently engaged in developing molds for larger-format resin paintings, anticipating that they will significantly enhance the viewer's experience by occupying a broader field of view. This expansion aims to make it easier for people to immerse themselves in the artworks. While I'm uncertain about the ultimate direction, my intuition suggests that investing in a 3D printer could be a valuable addition to my artistic pursuits.
In parallel, I'm delving into the study of cave paintings, finding them both intelligent and elegant. Drawing inspiration from their principles, I'm creating resin paintings using a limited palette of natural pigments. Additionally, I'm exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate screen prints that can be seamlessly incorporated into my paintings, further pushing the boundaries of my creative experimentation.
4D Forest, resin and raw pigment, 31 x 31 cm, 2023 © Germán Muñoz
Forgotten Monument, resin and raw pigment, 31 x 31 cm, 2023 © Germán Muñoz
What do you think about the art community and market?
I firmly believe that Art serves as an enduring reflection of humanity, yielding incredible creations and consistent masterpieces every day. However, the artistic landscape is also marred by a significant amount of BS and propaganda. Drawing from my experiences, collaboration with my two closest friends, who are professional artists, has been both rewarding and enriching. Despite this, there's an observable scarcity mentality within the broader artistic community.
I'm convinced that if people in the Art world embraced a more open culture of mutual support and collectively rejected the unnecessary noise, the art market could experience substantial growth. A shift towards showcasing genuine work, free from gimmicks like bananas on walls, has the potential to engage and captivate audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for art.
Finally, are there any projects you are looking forward to for next year?
In a few days, my best friend, sculptor, and interior designer Federico Lemoine is arriving in Mexico for a collaborative art project, and I'm eager to see the creative outcomes of our collaboration. Simultaneously, I've been accepted into an artist residence in Kyoto. The prospect of immersing myself in a culture entirely different from my own is bound to foster significant artistic growth.
Additionally, I'm actively working on an art program in partnership with Ambio Life Sciences aimed at assisting individuals dealing with PTSD. This initiative holds significant personal importance, and I'm enthusiastic about its potential impact. Life's unpredictability also leaves room for unexpected opportunities, and I look forward to embracing those that I may not be aware of just yet.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
