Introducing Ruben Abstract Art
people • ARTISTS
Rubén Abstract is a notable Spanish artist whose vibrant and dynamic works are capturing the attention of collectors around the globe. His pieces are being showcased in significant art fairs and prestigious galleries internationally, contributing to his rapidly expanding collector base. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Rubén is also a passionate triathlete, balancing his creative endeavors with the rigorous demands of triathlon training and competitions. This dual dedication to both art and athletics adds a unique dimension to his life and work, potentially influencing the themes and energy in his artistic creations.
INSTAGRAM: @rubenabstract
Words: designeers
September 2018
designeers
Could you please give us a quick introduction? Describe what you create:
Ruben
For 6 years I have worked and researched to find what I have come to do in life, and today I know it's creating pieces on birch wood, wood for its nobility, with asymmetrical shapes because I like the unexpected, the disruptive, I like to go beyond the typical, beyond the norm. On the wood, I like the disorderly explosion but with a sense and structure of the mix of colours that resin offers and the brightness it provides. UnderWater is a message of when after fighting on the surface of the water, you manage to start a new path truly being yourself, and that's when the colours of life appear, the energy of their blends.
designeers
Tell us how you got started in this field? What drew you to this type of art?
Ruben
Never before had I painted, but one day at the beach, in summer, after a boost of confidence from completing my first Ironman triathlon, I realized I didn't want to be my boss in the company I was working for, and I stumbled upon an artist on Instagram who seemed to sell her paintings online. From that day on the beach, I didn't stop researching and understanding that I should make a turn in my life in this direction. I knew that if I could carve out a niche for myself in this world, working in my studio, I would be the happiest man in the world, and now I am. I also knew that my strength would be my experience in the world of marketing and sales and that I would learn to paint through my favourite method, observation and trial and error. My mind always generates ideas and a desire to try new things, and by dedicating myself to art, I feel fulfilled in this sense.
designeers
Describe your favourite pieces to date and how they have shaped you as an artist:
ruben
Undoubtedly, the pieces that have shaped me as a painter are the works of: Carlos Cruz-Diez, Juan Genovés, Jan Kalab, and Carla Sa Fernandes, although for me, it's also as important as the artwork itself how it is communicated and promoted. The artist's marketing and sales strategy are also something I admire. Because the story behind each artist and artwork must be told, and one should feel sufficiently confident and proud of their story and journey and should have the enthusiasm to want to share it with the world through an idea, a specific channel.
designeers
What do you feel is the most challenging part of being an artist?
ruben
The most delicate part is the first few years because they are the years when the foundations are built that should prevent the future system from faltering. I mean generating a different artwork, one that is difficult to replicate, that authentically represents the artist and their moment, and making sure that a solid network of gallery owners and online platforms can sell at a pace that allows them to pay their bills. All of this must be done quickly because bills have to be paid at the end of the month, and precisely this creation is the most sensitive part of the business. That's why once the first 5 years have passed, if the foundations are solid, one may not have achieved anything, but they will be in a wonderful position at the starting line.
It's also important to understand how the popular artist's brain share should be: 50% creative artist and painter, 40% business manager, marketing, and sales, and 10% research and development department. Most of the artists I know are 90% artists and 10% other, and from this profile, only the best, the brightest, survive because the system helps them elevate their business; otherwise, one has to elevate it oneself.
“I knew that if I could carve out a niche for myself in this world, working in my studio, I would be the happiest man in the world, and now I am.”
ruben abstract
designeers
What does a typical day look like in the studio? Do you have any tips or tricks you could share with us that help you switch off and create a good work / life balance?
ruben
I'm someone who benefits greatly from sports; for years, I haven't been able to live without pushing myself athletically. I suppose it's because I release endorphins or burn off the excess energy I wake up with, needing to do sports as soon as possible to match the energy level of others and not have more activity than usual. For years, I've practiced triathlon, and currently, I'm focused on running because I don't have time for more, but still, I dedicate an average of 1.5 hours a day and I have run 15 marathons already. This allows me to then push myself to the maximum in my profession as an artist, as I have a clear conscience after giving my body and mind their dose of balance. For me, this is the most important part that sustains my equilibrium. Of course, having controlled and healthy finances, an economy, not good, but controlled, is also vital. Both are the epicenters of my day; the rest is creating, feeling, executing, researching, learning—it's very close to a game.
designeers
What’s the best mistake you have ever made?
ruben
On one hand, I think not pushing myself earlier in life to truly be myself and deciding to paint when I was young, deciding to be an artist much earlier, but on the other hand, having had all these years of experience in marketing and sales makes me run and reach decisions and agreements in a much more professional way than if I had done it 20 years ago. Everything I've done has been about trying and learning, and I wouldn't dare to think of that as mistakes because they are all learning experiences.
designeers
Your top 3 main sources of inspiration and references you are drawn to regularly – i.e. books, magazines, websites/ blogs etc?
ruben
Undoubtedly, Instagram is by far the main source of inspiration. I've always tried to look for books, and I must have a small list of 10 that I keep for their contribution, but still, it's only about 10% of the content that I've absorbed through Instagram. There have been times when I've spent 3 straight hours scrolling through all the photos that an artist has on their Instagram to observe what tools they have in their studio, what process they use, etc. I'm very observant of details, and that's why I'm very selective about who I let into my studio.
designeers
On your coffee table right now?
ruben
I'm tremendously pragmatic, and everything I have on the table and off it has a purpose and a use, but still, what never fails to be present is water, some solution to keep my glasses always perfectly clean, and a shoehorn to put on my shoes because I change clothes several times a day, between studio clothes and street clothes, and I don't like pressing with the heel to put on my shoes and feeling like I'm damaging them.
designeers
Top travel destinations including places to stay and things to see:
ruben
I enjoy traveling because I compete in some beautiful places. I've competed in triathlons and marathons outside of Spain, and I find it an excellent reason to travel. Recently, I was in Miami attending 9 contemporary art fairs, and it was fascinating. But if there's one place in the world that perfectly fits my personality, it will always be Copenhagen and Stockholm. I'm very urban and Scandinavian, but at the same time, I'm in love with the quality of life in Madrid. You can find me running in Retiro Park or in Casa de Campo, the best urban circuit I know.
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