Osvaldo Lobalzo, the artist present in the most luxurious houses in Sotogrande
Sometimes it is a painting by Matisse, a cubic sculpture by Picasso, or a controversial painting by Bansky. But other times, it is a large canvas by Osvaldo Lobalzo that enhances a wall of a luxury villa in Sotogrande.
Osvaldo Lobalzo is an Argentine artist established in Sotogrande, with around 3,500 art pieces sold throughout Europe and the US. Of which many masterpieces are hidden in the most peculiar corners of the Campo de Gibraltar. In this interview conducted by Charles Gubbins we discover how the artist Osvaldo Lobalzo, a simple student of Graphic Design in the 70’s, became a recognized figure in Europe. He also tells us about his art gallery located in the Marina of Sotogrande.
1. What made you become an artist, how long did you get to Spain?
Since childhood I flirted with art. Every artistic expression caught my attention. I studied music, theater, design and trained for 4 years as an industrial technician. But none of that prospered, “I have been a learner of much and a teacher of nothing.” With approximately 20 years I discovered my passion for matter (painting and sculpture). I arrived in Spain with 28 years, more than 30 years ago. Since then, I was making my way in this profession so exciting but not without great obstacles.
2. How did your career as an artist evolve? What kind of art do you currently do?
I consider myself an art worker, because I work every day. Over the years I explored different terrains. I have gone from figuration to abstraction, from oil to matter. Until today recycled materials such as wood, cardboard, all part of my day to day.
3. What are your favorite artists and with which do you feel identified? How do they affect your works?
Logically the great geniuses and to name a few, Salvador Dalí, Picasso, Gerald Ritcher, Jackson Pollock and many others. Today, with maturity, I have my own language.
4. How did you meet Sotogrande and why did you decide to open your gallery here? What do you most enjoy being here installed 5 years ago?
I met Sotogrande 25 years ago and since then I was captivated, I tried to approach because I saw that it could be a good place to exhibit my work.
During these 25 years I have been installed in different places, in Malaga city and in Marbella. I have worked with European collectors. Of the 3,500 works that I have made, approximately a large percentage is in Sotogrande.
We have been installed in Sotogrande for 5 years. I had the need to establish myself in a place where I reside, work and exhibit my work without having to resort to intermediaries or dealers, and we have achieved it, Maite my wife is the one who leads our Cultural Space, while I dedicate myself exclusively to my work and in Sometimes we share a workshop with our daughter Maite, who from her barely 2 years of life until today with 9 years follows in the footsteps of Dad.
Therefore, what I enjoy most about Sotogrande is the pleasure of sharing with my family my great passion in this magical environment and with the satisfaction of bringing our artistic and cultural contribution to the area, which is very remarkable the acceptance of residents and visitors.
5. What do people find in your Sotogrande gallery apart from art?
From our beginnings, our intention was not to install a gallery. We want this space to create a cultural environment; We organize concerts, workshops, presentation of books, painting competitions and many other activities in which to involve local neighbors who collaborate with a tasting of their gastronomy (for example La Quinta Restaurant, Don Diego) and thus we have been doing these 5 years with great results . The positive is to be in touch with the people who visit our space.
6. Why do you think Osvaldo Lobalzo’s works like?
I am convinced that you can not like the public, but I can boast a large percentage of followers. Well, the importance of the work being exhibited and not stored in a workshop is very important, and that is gratifying for an artist, it also allows me to see the reaction of visitors. Therefore, I can say that a large percentage of them leave a very positive opinion highlighting my work with the subject and polychromy. That makes me proud.
7. Projects you are proud of?
One of my most emotional projects has been an experience of working with a group of blind people. I dedicated time to develop a teaching method with the use of the subject getting great results, (Collection “Senses” 2009-2010).
And of course; The marathon “LA HUELLA” 7 days and 6 nights working with people of all ages in the creation of a large mural (70m2) where a total of 400 people participated. “LA HUELLA 1” year 2017, “LA HUELLA 2” year 2018. And preparing for this fall “LA HUELLA 3”, 2019
8. How far from the world do the works of Osvaldo Lobalzo arrive? And, what was the weirdest thing you have been commissioned?
As I said before, I have about 3,500 works in Europe and some in the US, and the strangest thing they have asked me for is very recent, it has been a painting for a very special family, they gave me their family tree. I have enjoyed a lot, because they are a big family, they are also collectors of my work and friends.
9. What would you change about Sotogrande in the artistic-cultural field?
Sotogrande has everything they want who wants to enjoy rest, sports and gastronomy. We independently contribute what is within our reach, but there is still much to do, it would be good if it were invested in a place of leisure for all ages (playroom, library, concert hall, etc.) A As time passes, we convince ourselves more that people demand it and congratulate us on our small contribution.
10. In how many houses in Sotogrande could we find an Osvaldo Lobalzo?
It is very difficult to know, there are many years with customers and collectors in the area. But I can risk an approximate figure and about 500 works.. I live surrounded by them and I like that! ■
Espacio Cultural Osvaldo Lobalzo
Mobile: +34 675 03 06 82
Email: osvaldolobalzo@hotmail.com
Gallery: Ribera del Marlin, Local 22-23, Marina Sotogrande, 11310.
