Lluís Güell (1945-2005)

Lluís Güell (1945-2005) was a renowned contemporary Catalan artist from Banyoles, Catalonia, Spain. He is celebrated for his contributions to surrealism and pop art, with a diverse artistic portfolio that included painting, sculpture, spatial design, murals, and magazine covers. His innovative and experimental approach to art distinguished him as one of Catalonia's foremost representatives in these genres. Güell's artistic vision was profoundly influenced by his socio-political environment. He was known for his opposition to dictatorship and his critiques of the prevailing economic and political structures. His work often explored themes related to advertising and television culture, resonating strongly with both Spanish and global pop art movements.

During his early years, Güell actively engaged in avant-garde artistic movements. He founded the Presència 63 group and participated in numerous collective exhibitions. His collaboration with the Teatro Experimental Independent (TEI) of Banyoles helped him gain recognition in Catalonia by his mid-twenties. He was closely associated with Catalan neo-figurative artists who flourished in Ibiza during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Güell's foray into spatial design during this period led to notable projects such as La Botigueta de la Cort Reial in Girona, and the discos l'Envelat del Follet in Olot and Saint Trop (also known as Saint Trip) in Lloret de Mar. Although some of these establishments faced unfortunate fates, they cemented his reputation as a visionary interior designer.

In the 1980s, Güell spent over a decade in Ibiza, where he created iconic venues such as Es Paradís, Café del Mar, and Summum. He also collaborated with poet Francesc Parcerisas during this time. His prominence in the art world was further highlighted by his participation in the happenings at the 1984 ARCO fair, where he exhibited a collection of erotically charged pop sculptures. In 1987, Güell embarked on new projects in Germany. However, his plans were interrupted by a battle with cancer, which inspired the creation of the series "Meine kranken" ("My sick ones"). This series featured portraits of fellow patients using surgical materials, bandages, and adhesive tape.

Despite being a promising artist in the 1970s, Güell distanced himself from the art market and society in his later years, leading to a period of relative obscurity. Many who had known him in Ibiza lost contact with him until his death in December 2005. Today, Lluís Güell's artworks are housed in various private collections and institutions, including the permanent collection of the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, ensuring his legacy continues to be appreciated by future generations.