It is a sunny Saturday morning, in the middle of my summer vacation. I go into the garden. Here I am: “Don't disturb me, I'm blooming”. This is a moment of metamorphosis in which the body is impregnated with energy and everything becomes an explosion of nature wrapped in vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas. The works presented by artist Fátima de Juan (Juxtapoz Spring 2023 Cover artist) trigger dreamlike sensations, memories. Room 1 at L21 Barcelona embraces us and transports us to the chapter "Trees and flowers" of the "Silly Symphonies" (Disney, 1932). It makes us travel to Wonderland (Lewis Carroll, 1865). For this project, Fátima de Juan transforms the exhibition space into a fresh setting, with dreamy smells and colors that prepare and accompany us in this evolution towards flourishing and abundance.
On this occasion, Fátima’s women pass on a message of serenity and self-care. Their relaxed eyes and sheathed nails spread the peace that comes from stopping the fight when starting a new phase. Deep in their “Flower fortress” (2023), they transport us to a state of contemplation and connection with nature, recalling the importance of stopping and appreciating the natural environment within chaos. The fight is over.
Through her works, de Juan reveals the splendor of flowers, these authentic ephemeral jewels of nature that follow their own laws and rhythms, alien to ours. They provide valuable lessons and encourage reflection on time and trust. Slow processes become beautiful in their continuous contemplation, like Fátima’s crocodile, rejoicing in a cool garden in the painting "Don’t disturb me, I'm blooming" (2023), which waters and baptizes this new project.
The mesmerizing eyes of the "Family Tree" paintings lead these plant chandeliers that emerge from the ground towards the sky, reminiscent of the Gothic. They echo the cyclical restart of the seed that grows at its own pace and drives us towards a fantastic and playful universe, giving space to imagination. They prepare us for photosynthesis, a more organic and slower process, a dance to the rhythm of "Plantasia" (Mort Garson, 1976). Plants invite you to stop time and appreciate it as a gift. They encourage breaking it down into small delights, slowing down, and finding fulfillment in serenity. These works are a return to humor derived from tranquility, a return to Mediterranean slowness through the artist's language.
Fátima de Juan’s artworks spark sensitivity and invite us to immerse ourselves in a world where nature and imagination are intertwined. They remind of the importance of caring for and appreciating our environment, as well as cultivating our own transformation and inner growth. On this occasion, Fátima enters a garden of sensations where nature becomes a catalyst for personal evolution. In the midst of a fast-paced world, these paintings invite us to stop, breathe and allow ourselves to flourish in our own authenticity. They give us a moment of introspection and connection to what is essential, inspiring us to embrace our florescence and find beauty in the small details of life.
“Don’t disturb me, I’m blooming” is the photosynthesis of artist Fátima de Juan. —Raquel Victoria
