Borja Álvarez (b. 1989) is a passionate painter with a distinctive style that merges abstract expressionism with vibrant, emotive storytelling. Originally from Spain, Borja's artistic journey has been shaped by his extensive travels across the globe, living in countries as diverse as Japan, Brazil, and Australia. His exposure to various cultures and landscapes deeply influences his work, infusing it with a rich tapestry of colours and textures.
Currently based in London, Borja holds a degree in Fine Arts and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Europe and Asia. In 2023, he was selected for the prestigious Global Art Residency in Kyoto, Japan, where he further honed his craft. His paintings, characterised by their bold use of colour and dynamic compositions, have caught the attention of art critics and collectors alike.
Artist Statement
Borja Álvarez's work delves into the complexities of identity, emotion, and the transient nature of life. Having lived in numerous countries, Borja has experienced a wide array of cultures, which has led him to explore the fluidity of human experience through his art. His paintings are not just abstract compositions but emotional landscapes that reflect his inner world and the myriad of experiences he has encountered.
For Borja, art is a means of processing the world around him, a way to translate the chaos and beauty of life into something tangible. He often draws on his childhood memories, infusing his work with elements that evoke both nostalgia and a sense of wonder. Recurring motifs such as animals, vivid landscapes, and ethereal figures serve as symbols of freedom, identity, and the ever-changing journey of life.
Through his vibrant and layered paintings, Borja invites viewers to embark on their own journey of introspection, challenging them to find meaning in the abstract and to connect with the emotions that lie beneath the surface. His work is a celebration of life’s contradictions—joy and sorrow, order and chaos, reality and imagination—captured in a moment of creative expression.
How has your artistic approach evolved from your early works to now?
When I first started, my work was more figurative, grounded in a desire to capture the physical world with precision. However, as I've grown and experienced more of life, my style has shifted towards abstraction. I’ve found that abstract art allows me to explore emotions and concepts that can’t be captured with realism. It's a more visceral and raw form of expression, one that speaks to the chaos and beauty I’ve encountered in my travels and life experiences.
What is your relationship with the materials you use? Is there a particular medium that has redefined your creative process?
Oil on canvas has always been my go-to medium. There’s something almost meditative about the process—the way the paint moves, the way colours blend and form new shades as they dry. Recently, though, I’ve been experimenting with layering techniques that add texture and depth to my work. It’s like building a story with each layer, allowing the viewer to peel back the surface and discover something new each time they look at the piece.
What underlying emotions or concepts do you consider essential in your work?
My work is heavily influenced by the concept of identity and the fluidity of life. Having lived in so many different places, I’ve come to realise that we are constantly evolving, shaped by our experiences and environments. My paintings often reflect this transient nature, capturing moments of intense emotion—be it joy, confusion, or longing. I want my art to resonate with the viewer on a deeply personal level, prompting them to question their own perceptions and feelings.
Was there a specific moment or event that marked a significant shift in your artistic practice?
There was a turning point during a trip to Southeast Asia where I found myself surrounded by vibrant colours and rich cultural traditions. It was overwhelming, in the best possible way, and it inspired me to completely overhaul my approach to art. I began to embrace more bold, dynamic colours and started experimenting with abstract forms to better convey the energy and vibrancy of the world around me. That trip fundamentally changed the way I see and create art.
How do your surroundings and personal experiences influence the narrative of your work?
My surroundings are everything to my art. Every place I’ve lived, every person I’ve met, has left an indelible mark on me and my work. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Tokyo or the serene landscapes of rural Spain, these experiences seep into my paintings. I often find myself reflecting on the contrasts—between cultures, emotions, and experiences—and I try to capture that tension and harmony in my art. It’s a way of processing the world and making sense of my place in it.
In the current art landscape, what do you believe sets your work apart, and what do you hope viewers take away when they engage with your pieces?
I believe what sets my work apart is its emotional honesty and the way it straddles the line between abstraction and reality. My art is a reflection of my life—full of contrasts, complexities, and colour. I want viewers to feel something, to be moved by the interplay of light, colour, and form. Ultimately, I hope my paintings encourage people to see the beauty in the chaos, to find meaning in the abstract, and to connect with their own inner worlds.
Follow Borja Alvarez:
Instagram:
@borjalavarezdem