Andoni Beristain (b. 1989) is fascinated with shape, colour and observing the world. He combines big-scale outdoor still life and curated studio photographs, with a goal to 鈥渕ake people wonder, look beyond and, above all, appreciate the good things.鈥 Beristain’s work is simultaneously personal and universal, and uses surrealism to reflect on what it means navigate the pressures and problems of life in modern society.
Beristain鈥檚 latest series,听Pieze Madre (Mother Piece) (2022-2025),听is a poignant reflection on the preciousness of life. The images are in homage to the artist鈥檚 mother, 脕ngeles Isidora Zabalo, who passed away in 2022. There is a distinctly summery feel to the pictures: blue waters give way to sandy beaches and fluffy clouds. Yellow 鈥 a colour with a reputation for bringing bad luck 鈥 is everywhere. Yet there are no bad omens here. Instead, the shade is used as a joyous homage to 脕ngeles. 鈥淲e take those things that give meaning for granted; we believe they will be there forever. From her memory, from her life, from her courage despite everything and from her tireless sense of humour, Pieza Madre is born. This is an exploration of the exterior, a need to fill a void, tell a story, and honour a woman.鈥 The series comprises 63 photographs, one for each year of her life.
The artist鈥檚 earlier collections have spanned a vast range of topics, but each maintains a defiant optimism about what it means to exist in the world. Pieza Redonda (Round Piece) (2018)聽spoke about weight, obesity and the social pressure around size. The images tap into the feeling of trying to make yourself to fit into a situation where you simply do not belong; Beristain rejects the idea that people should be forced to change to be accepted. Meanwhile, Pieza Rota (Broken Piece) (2021) focused on disease, cancer and stigma. The artist has also been featured in international magazines and exhibitions, including galleries in Madrid, Milan, Barcelona and New York.聽
Words: Emma Jacob
All images courtesy of the artist.
