Javier Vilató

JAVIER VILATÓ RUIZ (Barcelona, 1921-Paris, 2000).
"Figure", 1957.
Tecnica muxta on paper.
Signed and dated.
Measurements: 42 x 30 cm; 60 x 50 cm (frame).

Javier Vilató was the son of Lola Ruiz (Picasso's sister) and Juan Vilató. Since he was a child he lived surrounded by the art world, so he decided to settle in Paris in 1946, where he trained and established his own style. At only 15 years of age and thanks to the support of art dealers Pierre Loeb and Jeanne Catel Burggruen, he established himself as a multifaceted artist (painting, sculpture, engraving, ceramics, etc.) and a recognized talent, exhibiting in museums such as the Reina Sofia, the MoMA and the Pompidou. His work is strongly influenced by cubism and his compositions centered on geometric shapes. But his admiration for artists like Max Ernst or Joan Miró would bring a strong touch of surrealism and symbolism to his compositions. The presence of light and the intensity of color are also characteristics of Vilató, whom the poet and art critic Claude Roy defined as "the poet of light". He died in Paris without having had too many opportunities to show his art in his hometown, which has been amended by the city of Barcelona with a tribute materialized in five exhibitions grouped under the title "Vilató, Barcelona-Paris. A path of freedom". The exhibition venues chosen were: Museu Frederic Marès, Espai Volart, Galeria Joan Gaspar and Sala Dalmau.