Barcelona, Spain, 1923-2012
One of the leading exponents of informalism worldwide, is considered one of the most outstanding Spanish artists of the twentieth century. The work of the Catalan artist enjoys a study and conservation center at the Antoni Tàpies Foundation in Barcelona.
Self-taught, Tàpies created his own style within the avant-garde art of the twentieth century, in which tradition and innovation were combined within an abstract style but full of symbolism, giving great importance to the material substrate of the work. It should be noted the marked spiritual sense given by the artist to his work, where the material support transcends its state to mean a deep analysis of the human condition.
Tàpies' work has been highly valued both nationally and internationally, being exhibited in the most prestigious museums in the world. Throughout his career he has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Wolf of the Arts Foundation Award (1981), the Gold Medal of the Generalitat of Catalonia (1983), the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts (1990), the Picasso Medal of Unesco (1993) and the Velázquez Prize for Plastic Arts (2003). In recognition of his artistic career, King Juan Carlos I granted him the title of Marquis de Tàpies on April 9, 2010.
