Fabian Perez

There is a school of thought that suggests acclaimed figurative artist, Fabian Perez was largely inspired by his unconventional upbringing, which more often than not would take in the sights and sounds of Argentinean nightclubs and bordellos. On account of his late fathers running of a number of illegal clubs and brothels in Campana, just outside of Buenos Aires during Perezis impressionable years. During this period, Perez recalls being cared for when occasion necessitated by some of the ladies of the night who were in the employ of his charismatic father, Antonio. There is certainly enough evidence in Perezs painting to support this theory, as he regularly portrays strong, powerful, provocative women in alluring, enticing poses in his celebrated and popular acrylic work, while simultaneously committing them to canvas in a more respectful, intimate fashion.

Born in 1967 in Buenos Aires, Fabian Perez took an interest in paintbrushes and watercolours when 9 years old, and would create portraits of family and friends for fun as he headed towards his teenage years. That said, painting jostled with his other first love, martial arts for his adolescent attentions, yet demands very similar qualities and mindsets according to Perez when quizzed on the subject. Self discipline and unswerving concentration being paramount in both specialisms. It was Perezs mother, Edua, who provided his artistic leaning and license, yet his colourful fathers unorthodox lifestyle choices added extra-curricular creative flavours for the melting pot.

In his 16th year, fate struck a massive blow for Perez, as in a short passing of time; he lost both his mother and then later, his father, and had to re-evaluate his life and fundamental beliefs before he could move on. Fortunately it was at this juncture in his life, that Perez ran into Sensai Oscar; the person Perez refers to since as a father-figure in the absence of Antonio. Thats as well as being a close friend, master and teacher and all-round confidante and (almost) life coach, when a young Perez needed someone to fulfil these sadly vacant posts most. Oscar taught Perez how to gain ultimate strength of mind, body and soul through his martial arts teachings, which had been of great interest to him from childhood.

In 1987 Perez decided to travel and hopefully find himself en route. And so began a journey of self-awakening and learning that he considers that he is still on today, despite being settled in America and passing on his artistic and martial arts knowledge and understanding to others. Perez lived in Rio, Venice and Okinawa, before he finally put down roots in Los Angeles where we find him today. Whilst in Italy he painted daily, while also mastering his martial arts with Oscar by his side. In Japan he was commissioned to paint the Japanese flag and a meditating man for the government house there). However it is in Beverley Hills that Perez could successfully combine all of his loves, eventually. Odd-jobbing by day on his arrival, Perez balanced this with painting by night, right up until he was courted by two art publishers and gallery owners, whose collaborations effectively changed Perezs life.

Admitting that the period leading up to this chance encounter at one of his exhibitions being arguably the most creative passage in his life, it is what happened in the immediate aftermath that has brought Perez into the wider publics conscience. And essentially put his unique brand of figurative art on the map. Inviting Perez to work with the movers and shakers in the Californian art world, it was not long before his work was exposed to a far greater audience than it ever had previously, and received the plaudits that it so richly deserves. Not to mention, the all important sales. And more sales. Unprecedented levels of sales.

Through his work as a figurative artist, strong romantic feelings are the underpinnings of Perezs art, and his passionate conveying of, while he cites Muga (the martial art discipline of literally, emptying the mind) as key to his inner calm which is reflected in his works of art, and which allows for the transcendency of purity through a meditative state of mind. All conducive to producing the work that he does.

Expressive, beautiful women with stories to tell obviously take centre stage in the majority of Perezs pieces, whom he conveys in an appreciative, respectful light rather than simply a seductive, dimly lit one. And naturally most of his settings are at night, amid the dark underbelly of pleasuring society and clandestine nocturnal habits characteristics trademark of certain people, in certain cities across the globe.