Luis Pérez Calvo

Luis Pérez Calvo (Madrid, 1962) is an artist whose work draws directly from urban popular music, the circus, cinema, treasure hunting at El Rastro, local festivals, and vintage comic books. Raised in the bustling Madrid neighborhoods of Lavapiés and Embajadores, his creative universe is deeply rooted in the essence of Spanish popular culture from the 1960s to the 1980s. In his works, the Beach Boys coexist with Superman, Batman, and characters from Ibáñez’s comics, interwoven with fragments of old magazines, Bazooka gum wrappers, and classic references to Patinir and other artists.

His work is primarily centered on drawing, often combined with collage, and extends to a variety of mediums—including ceramics. Through his art, many have explored contemporary creativity, whether through his well-known "Cromos," his sketchbooks, or his interventions on façades and storefronts. These pieces are always brimming with visual references from his childhood, spanning comics, popular music, and album covers. This rich imaginary world tells a close personal story and portrays a way of life through his artistic influences, offering a nostalgic lens on the present, striving to remain relevant today. Employing techniques like homage, subtle nods, palimpsests, and intertextuality, his works delve into the hidden narratives of everyday objects—not with the aim of documenting grand historical events, but rather the small, emotional elements that weave a more intimate and heartfelt history.