Xabi Gaztelumendi
Spanish artist. Born in1984 in Bilbao. Lives and works in Madrid, Spain.
In 1996, at the age of 12, he discovers graffiti in Madrid. One year later, he was painting his first train in London, where he resides at an internship school. After that explosive experience full of adrenaline and tension, he becomes totally adicted to that sense and feeling. Starting an intensive full period of 10 years where he progressively finds himself more and more involved in that underground movement.
That’s how he discovers one of his firsts passions. Starting a long period as a graffiti writter, focusing on trains and subways all over Europe. He also begins appearing in the most powerful graffiti magazines in that time, such as “Wanted Magazine”, “Serie B Magazine”, and internationally “Graphotism” and “Brain Damage Magazine”. As well as many graffiti films and documentaries.
In 2006, after this exhausting period, he decides to abandon graffiti forever. Focusing on a University Career. In 2010 he graduated with the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Degree at the E.S.C.R.B.C. (Escuela Superior de Conservación Restauración de Bienes Culturales) Madrid. Becoming an art restorer. Specializing in the ancient and XIX century painting.
Since 2009 to 2011 he begins his Academic training as a painter at the Arauco Foundation (Art and Contemporary Authors) in Madrid. Directed by the master Guillermo Muñoz Vera. Specializing in the technique of oil painting, drawing and new technologies applied in contemporary art.
In 2012 he expanded his studies though two Cathedras for which he was selected. The IV Extraordinary Chair of the Albacete Museum taught by the master Antonio López García, and the First Workshop for Artists at Museum Casa Ibañez of Almería, imparted by the master Miguel Angel Mayo, Golucho.
In 2012 and to finish his Academic training, he is admitted as a copyist at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. Focusing on the painting of the XIX century and also on the Old Masters as Velázquez.
Since 2010, he started to show his work in numerous exhibitions. Solo and group shows. Among which highlights his solo show at the Museum of Art and History of Durango, Spain. For which an individual catalog was published on the ocasion of the exhibition, “Gaztelumendi” (M.A.H 2013)
As well as group shows at Contemporary Art Center CAC Málaga, Spain. Wich for the ocasion of the exhibition the museum published the book, “Spain Identity Modernity” Contemporary artists from Spain. Where he was included. He also participated in exhibitions such as “Made in Spain” at MAD Museum (group show).
Among others he also took part in: The Benetton Foundation, Venice, Italy (group show). The “Saatchi Screen Proyect” Saatchi Gallery, London (group show). The Fortuny Palace “FSDM”. Sponsored by Mr. Vicente del Bosque. Madrid, Spain (group show). Fernando Giner Gallery. Madrid, Spain (group show).
And lately the official commision from the National Library of Spain. The portrait of Cervantes Prize, Mr. Fernando del Paso, exhibited at the Salon Italiano of the BNE (Biblioteca Nacional de España), Madrid, Spain. His work is part of private collections from Spain, Colombia, Italy and London.
