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Collecting art is not for the faint of heart. It starts innocently enough—you fall in love with a piece, you imagine it on your wall, and before you know it, you’re mentally rearranging your entire living room to make space for it. Then comes the overthinking. Is this a smart investment? Am I being impulsive? Should I be saving for practical things like… food?

Urvanity 2025 is coming up, and if you’re a new collector (or an experienced one still pretending not to fall for every great piece you see), there’s a talk you need to attend: “Primeros auxilios para nuevos coleccionistas: el arte como inversión alternativa.” A perfect title, because let’s be honest—collecting, like art itself, sometimes requires a bit of emergency care.

One of the speakers is my dear friend Sonia Borrell, an important art collector, advisor, author of the book “Art in Real-Time”,and someone who has probably forgotten more about the art market than most of us will ever learn. She knows the game inside and out—when to follow your heart, when to trust the numbers, and when to walk away (or, more importantly, when not to).

Naturally, I had questions. Because while I spend my days creating art, collectors are the ones who decide where it goes, how it lives, and what stories it will tell in the future. (And let’s be honest—every collector is a potential home for one of my works.) So before her panel, I asked Sonia a few things about collecting, investing, and navigating the art world without losing your sanity.

Here’s what she had to say.

“Art lovers follow movements. Art collectors move them forward.“

1. First aid for new collectors—I love that! In your recent book Art in Real Time, you also talk about navigating the art collecting world. Is it really so complicated to be a collector?

“To be an art collector goes far beyond simply buying art. It’s about immersing yourself in the art world, staying alert to emerging trends, and forging genuine connections with artists. Sometimes, that means offering mentorship or support where needed. Ultimately, collectors who are the first to recognize what captivates people can spark new directions in art, helping those movements gain visibility. You become more than a passive buyer—you become part of the process that shapes culture.”

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2. Art is increasingly seen as an alternative investment. How should new collectors approach buying art with both passion and financial awareness?

“Art shouldn’t be confused with purely speculative assets; its true strength lies in its ability to move, inspire, or challenge audiences. For new collectors, seeking out reliable experts—seasoned curators, knowledgeable gallerists, and established collectors—is crucial. Pay attention to artists who demonstrate their vision through consistent, meaningful work instead of flashy talk. Invest in what genuinely resonates with you, and keep a balance between passion and practicality. When you approach art with both an open heart and a discerning eye, you’ll find pieces that hold lasting value—culturally, emotionally, and potentially financially.”

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3. What role do art fairs like Urvanity play in helping collectors discover and invest in emerging artists?

“Art fairs such as Urvanity offer an immersive glimpse into the broader art world by bringing together a wide variety of galleries and artists—from fresh newcomers to up-and-coming talents on the brink of bigger recognition. Urvanity, in particular, has a very international focus, thanks to its founder, Sergio, who is constantly traveling and researching to curate the most exciting artists for the Spanish scene. This creates a vibrant environment where collectors can see a range of styles and trends under one roof, making it easier to spot standout works and make meaningful connections.”

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4. Every time I talk to you, I feel this unique mix of 100% passion for art and 100% awareness—that’s your special blend. How can a new collector become a Sonia Borrell?

“The secret to becoming a passionate yet savvy collector lies in authenticity. Find art that genuinely moves you and let your intuition guide you, regardless of current trends or popular opinion. When you connect deeply with art, you’ll naturally champion it, helping unique voices gain recognition. Committed collectors often fuel new movements by steadfastly supporting the artists and styles that genuinely speak to them. Remember: you don’t need the approval of everyone else; what you need is a sincere connection to the work.”

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5. A quick piece of advice for art collectors visiting Urvanity 2025—apart from stopping by the Gärna Gallery booth to see me?

“Urvanity is the ideal place to experience a wide range of innovative works. Gärna Gallery, in particular, has a track record of noteworthy booths and excels at discovering those rare gems that capture both critical and emotional appeal. This year, I highly recommend seeking out Fulvio Gonellas’ pieces. He draws on profound personal encounters with terminal illnesses and autism, channeling these challenging themes into art that radiates optimism and resilience. By embracing raw, ‘art brut’ influences and turning them into something uplifting, Fulvio’s work shows us how creativity can illuminate even the darkest situations. Young collectors, especially, should take the time to engage with his art—it’s a powerful reminder of art’s capacity to heal, unite, and inspire.”

Before we finished I would like to tell you my favourite sentence about being an art collector: “Art lovers follow movements. Art collectors move them forward.“

Thank you Sonia for your time and passion for Art!

American Kings at the LA Art Show: Art, Sweat, and Questionable Life Choices

Ah, Los Angeles. City of dreams, traffic, and oat milk lattes that cost as much as a down payment on a car. But this week, it’s also home to the LA Art Show, where the art world collides—collectors, critics, and the occasional person who clearly just wandered in for the air conditioning. And right in the middle of it? American Kings. My last series. A tribute to the fighters, the ones who carry the weight of the world without recognition, without ceremony.

I’m here with Caelis Galería from Shanghai, a gallery that saw American Kings for what it is—something raw, something real, something that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Seeing the work up on these walls is surreal. There’s a quiet kind of gravity to it, like the pieces are standing on their own now, no longer just mine.

This series isn’t about kings in the way we’re taught to imagine them. No thrones, no velvet robes, no smug portraits hanging in gold frames. These are kings of the everyday—the ones who push forward, who endure, who carry burdens that aren’t always visible. Their crowns aren’t made of gold; they’re made of struggle, resilience, and the quiet decision to keep going.

And in a space like this, surrounded by so much art, so many voices, American Kings holds its own. Some people stop, some move on, some linger just long enough for something unspoken to settle. That’s the thing about art—you put it out into the world, and it does what it needs to do. No explanations, no justifications. Just presence.

So here we are. American Kings at the LA Art Show. If you’re in town, come by. Walk through, take it in, let it sit with you. Or just pretend to check your phone while standing in front of a painting—we’ve all been there.

You ever read something about your own work and think, “Wait, were they in my head or what?” That’s exactly how I felt reading this article from Caelis Galería about Picasso’s Owl No. 6. It’s like they had VIP access to my brain while I was painting—or maybe they were low-key hiding in my studio the whole time. Who knows?

They broke it down in a way that’s so on point, I’m kinda shook. Like, how do they get it better than I can even explain? If you’ve ever wondered what was going through my head while I was working on this piece, this article pretty much nails it.

Here’s the English translation (but if you want to train your Chinese skills you can read it here.

Between the Universe and the Individual, the Artist Leads Us on a Poetic Visual Drift

When we gaze at Picasso’s Owl No. 6 by Fulvio Gonella, it feels like we’re being pulled into a visual paradox—simple yet complex, naïve yet profound, clumsy yet wise. What appears to be a straightforward image unfolds into a broader philosophical dimension: it’s no longer just an owl’s portrait, but a metaphor for existence, the universe, and the essence of humanity.

Feathers are the tools that allow birds to soar, while stars are the most distant, constant light sources in the universe. The stars delicately scattered across the owl’s deep blue wings create a visual duality: they are both the texture of feathers and the stars of the night sky. On this symbolic level, the image offers a philosophical reflection—we are all, in the vast darkness of the universe, searching for our own points of light. And it is precisely these tiny “stars” that give meaning and strength to our existence. Meanwhile, the owl gazes gently at the viewer with its large, round orange eyes, as if to say: “The abyss isn’t always dark. Sometimes, there are stars hidden within it—and those stars are the feathers of your soul.”

Gonella’s use of color is both bold and pure. The pink background blazes like a burning sky, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. The blue face of the owl contrasts sharply with its orange chest, a clash of night and day, cold and warm, reason and emotion. And then there’s the green beak—an abrupt yet vivid symbol of life, as if reminding the viewer: Even in the vast silence of the universe, the whispers of life persist.

The color strategy in this piece seems to pay homage to Matisse, yet it carries the playful irreverence of Pop Art. Color is no longer just a tool to represent reality; it becomes a direct expression of emotion and thought. This simplification and exaggeration imbue the painting with a spiritual power that transcends the figurative, as if every patch of color is whispering, every brushstroke telling an unfinished story.

At the same time, the primitive, childlike brushstrokes introduce a kind of deconstruction. In Western culture, owls are often seen as symbols of wisdom, sacred to Athena. But Gonella’s owl defies this traditional expectation. It looks a bit goofy, even clumsy, like a fledgling that’s just learned to fly. Perhaps this is the artist’s clever twist: he dissolves the fixed symbol of “wisdom” and proposes a new question—maybe true wisdom isn’t about the accumulation of knowledge but about maintaining a childlike curiosity and a reverence for the unknown, much like the way we gaze at the starry sky with wonder.

When we face this owl, it’s not displaying wisdom—it’s inviting us to rethink what wisdom really means. In the artist’s world, wisdom is no longer cold reasoning. It’s the courage to stare at the stars, to admit our own smallness, and to maintain passion in the face of uncertainty.

Stars are witnesses of time; much of the starlight we see comes from billions of years ago. Feathers, on the other hand, are fleeting traces in the brief lives of birds, fragile yet unique. Through Gonella’s brush, starlight and feathers become metaphors for one another: eternity and ephemerality, grandeur and minuteness, distance and intimacy.

This is a visual poem, a philosophical meditation on existence and meaning. The artist reminds us that in a world filled with uncertainty and nothingness, art is our feathers, and those fleeting, shimmering moments are the stars deep within our souls. No matter how high or far we fly, perhaps what matters most is not the destination but the courage to spread our wings in the darkness and seek out the light.

Imagine a boy standing in the heart of a vast forest. The trees stretch endlessly, their shadows flickering like whispers across the ground. The air is thick with the kind of silence that feels alive, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves. And there, in the middle of it all, this boy does something extraordinary in its ordinariness: he brushes his teeth.

It’s such a small, everyday act—mundane, almost—but in that setting, it becomes something else entirely. It becomes a declaration. A refusal to let the wilderness consume him. A way of saying, “I am here, and I will hold onto who I am, no matter what.”

This moment is the heart of Everywherism. When I painted it, I wanted to capture the quiet defiance of that boy—someone who, despite being surrounded by uncertainty, clings to his principles, his routines, his sense of self. It’s a reminder that strength doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it’s as simple as brushing your teeth in the wild.

Now, this painting is part of something even bigger. I’ve donated Everywherism to Together We Art, a charity auction that raises funds for Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y). This incredible organization works with young adults living in extreme poverty, helping them find the courage to stand firm in their own lives, even when the world around them feels unsteady.

Life Project 4 Youth: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

LP4Y isn’t about quick fixes or temporary solutions. They work hand-in-hand with young adults who have been pushed to the edges of society, helping them reclaim their futures. Through training, mentorship, and personalized support, they create pathways to employment and independence.

But LP4Y doesn’t just provide opportunities—it offers dignity. It teaches young people that their circumstances don’t define them, that they have the strength to hold on to who they are, even when life feels like an endless forest.

Why Everywherism Matters Here

When I think of the boy in Everywherism, I think of the young adults LP4Y serves. Both face challenges that could easily overwhelm them. Both are surrounded by uncertainty. But they refuse to be lost in it.

This painting is about resilience. It’s about choosing to hold on, no matter the chaos around you. And that’s why I felt compelled to donate it to this cause. If it can help raise funds for LP4Y’s work, then it becomes more than art—it becomes a small but vital part of something transformative.

How You Can Be Part of This Story

The Together We Art auction is your chance to support LP4Y’s mission while also bringing home a piece of art that represents strength and resolve. By bidding on Everywherism or any of the other works in the auction, you’re contributing to a project that changes lives in tangible, lasting ways.

You can find Everywherism here:

Together We Art Auction – Everywherism.

Even if you’re unable to bid, you can still help. Learn more about LP4Y’s work, share their story, or consider making a donation. Every small action counts because this is about more than art—it’s about standing firm for what matters most.

Just like that boy in the forest, brushing his teeth against all odds.

Some news is so big it feels like the universe is playing a joke on you. You know, the kind of joke where everyone is in on it except you. That’s exactly what happened to me when, mid-January, I discovered—thanks to an art collector, of all people—that AD Spain had named my artwork Abracadabra (200×200 cm, or 79×79 inches) the #1 Christmas gift for 2024.

Yes, that AD Spain. Yes, #1. And yes, I had no idea.

Here’s how it unfolded: I was chatting with a collector about art, life, and everything in between (as you do). Mid-conversation, they casually mentioned, “It’s so amazing that AD Spain featured Abracadabra as their top gift for Christmas!” I paused, assuming I’d misheard. “Wait,” I said, blinking, “what did they say about it?”

When she explained, I honestly thought she was mistaken—or maybe just overly kind. But later, when I looked it up, there it was. Right there in black and white, Abracadabra listed as the #1 gift for Christmas 2024 in AD Spain’s prestigious holiday feature.

My first reaction? Shock. (How could I have missed this?) My second? Pure joy. (AD Spain is one of those publications you dream about as an artist.) My third? Laughter, because of course I’d discover something this monumental weeks after the fact.

The Magic of Abracadabra

For those unfamiliar, Abracadabra is one of my larger works—200×200 cm (or 79×79 inches) of bold, rhythmic energy. I created it with the intention of capturing the magic and chaos of life, the way everything overlaps, connects, and moves.

The name Abracadabra came naturally during the creative process. There’s something spellbinding about the way the colors and shapes interact, something that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s the kind of piece that invites you to look closer—to find new details, new meaning, new emotions.

When I created it, I imagined it as a conversation starter. I wanted it to transform a space, to make a statement, to live as a piece of magic in someone’s home. To have AD Spain recognize that and celebrate it as their top Christmas gift? That’s something I never could have imagined, not even in my wildest dreams.

Why I’m Sharing This Now

So, here’s the thing: Christmas has come and gone, and I realize I’m incredibly late to this party. But in my defense, December is a blur for most artists (and frankly, most humans). Between deadlines, the holidays, and everything in between, I missed this little nugget of good news until weeks later.

But timing isn’t everything, is it? Recognition like this doesn’t expire, and honestly, I think there’s something poetic about discovering this news in January. The New Year is a time of reflection, of celebrating milestones, and of finding inspiration in unexpected places.

Besides, there’s something humbling about hearing this news from a collector. It reminded me that art isn’t just about me or my process—it’s about the people who connect with it. The people who see something of themselves in the work. The people who take the time to share it, celebrate it, and (sometimes) gently remind me when I’m too busy to notice the magic that’s happening around me.

A Moment of Gratitude

I want to take this moment to thank AD Spain for this incredible honor. Having my work featured in such a prestigious publication—and named their #1 gift for Christmas—is a dream come true. It’s the kind of recognition that reminds me why I pour my heart into every brushstroke, every line, every detail.

And of course, I want to thank you—my collectors, supporters, and friends. Whether you’ve purchased my work, followed along with my journey, or simply taken the time to stop and look, you’ve played a role in moments like this. Your belief in my art is what makes all of this possible, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

Looking Ahead

So here’s to celebrating magic (even if it comes wrapped in January). Here’s to discovering joy in unexpected ways, and here’s to the collectors, curators, and friends who make this journey so meaningful.

If you’d like to see Abracadabra in all its colorful, larger-than-life glory—or explore more of my work—I’d love for you to reach out. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Here’s to a year of beauty, discovery, and finding magic in the most surprising places.