Art

by Poppy Beale-Collins

October 27, 2010

Perhaps you need to leave your home city to learn to truly appreciate it. This certainly seems to be the motto of Barcelona-based artist Mónica Riu, who explains that Monix, her series of doll-like, “girl about town” illustrations, grew out of rediscovering her love for the city.

Returning to Barcelona after an eight-year sojourn in the US, Riu set about defining the distinctive style we see today, immersing herself in the city’s urban art movement and setting up gallery Base Elements with her husband and fellow artist Robert Burt. Drawing upon Riu’s training in graphic design at Elisava, the Monix line, which includes canvases, posters and magnets, depicts chic, doe-eyed caricatures in an urban setting, an ode to the artist’s self-proclaimed passion for her native city.

Riu explains, “I think it’s very important to love the place where you live.” With her work currently showing in Munich, the artist has ambitions to take the Monix brand to other European cities such as London and Paris.

by Poppy Beale-Collins

October 27, 2010

Latest Comments

  • Creatived woman = Monix

    I have known Monix for many years and she is full of life, vision, passion and pure love. The perfect combination for creations. Monix did the logo of my previous business, Truffles European Bistro, in La Jolla, California and Ioved it.
    Who else than Monix!!!
    Keep on going!!!

    Posted by Sonia Jaykell November 10, 2010 06:53:12

  • I just love Monix!

    and her "girl about town" series!!! The cutest thing!
    I wish I could have them all!!

    Posted by pirux November 09, 2010 22:57:40

  • Monix

    These Monix pieces are so chic and adorable, I can't get enough of them. Thank you for highlighting this wonderful and unique Barcelona artist, I'm a huge fan of her work and the Base Elements gallery.

    Posted by holly November 09, 2010 21:26:17

  • JUST LOVE MONIX AND BASE ELEMENTS...

    i completly adore the monix GIRLS .. they are so fresh and cute ! just as much as monica their "mumy" very barcelona girl .. one of my favorite artist in bcn ! go and see her work in ART GALERY "BASE ELEMENTS" (GOTICO) these paintings are just so colourfull, and girly ,that i cld have them all on my walls !!
    love ; from your friends from " le petit salon" , vero+phuc

    Posted by vero "le petit salon barcelona" November 08, 2010 13:23:26

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