Diego Vallejo García

CONVERSATIONS WITH MARISOL SALANOVA. INTERVIEW PROGRAM. ART MADRID'25

Diego Vallejo García (Ávila, 1991) has a classical style in his treatment or composition, but with a contemporary theme. He studied Art History before studying Restoration and Conservation, which gives his projects a degree of knowledge that crosses from the theoretical to the practical. His work is representative of the tendency towards fragmented painting and the superimposition of realities, from the abstraction of colour fields to the painted photomontage of striking realism. This photographic exploration is taken to the realm of pictorial distortion.

The artist makes a generational portrait without individualising anyone, seeking to capture the collective personality of his generation, of the customs. He paints everything with oils, glazes and materials that he uses, thinking a lot about the conservation of the pieces and their durability.

Synergies. 2024. Oil on canvas. 114 x 195 cm.

What role does experimentation play in your creative process?

I think that experimentation in the conception of my work is fundamental, as it begins even before dealing with the actual subject matter of the painting. It begins in the configuration of the image, working on it through digital media such as Photoshop or Procreate. However, that image will only be a guide at the moment of painting; as the work progresses and accidents with the material arise, the image becomes detached from the painting, and it is the painting that finally takes control. That is why accidents occur in my painting in which elements are eliminated or appear that were not originally planned.

What are your references?

Well, I have many references. If we start with the classics, the first one I would mention is Velázquez, as well as all the paintings of the 19th century. As for the more current ones, they could be Rubén Guerrero, Ignacio Estudillo, Phil Hale, Sean Scully. They are painters who, in the end, deal with matter rather than image. I think this is the natural process of any figurative painter: at the beginning, trying to capture reality more or less faithfully, and with time you realize that what should take precedence over the image is the painting itself.

Fr Ltsch. 2024. Oil on canvas. 195 x 195 cm.

Why do your works have such an emphasis on nocturnality?

My work is not so much about nocturnality, but rather about light. What nocturnality allows me to do is to work with artificial light, and it gives me the possibility of treating light in its different temperatures and powers to create different sensations or different realities.

Do you feel more comfortable portraying individuals or crowds?

Portraying individuals or crowds pursues the same goal: to seek a portrait of my generation and society through customs and actions. How do I get this portrait without being individual, but collective? By eliminating the faces of the characters.

Nothing Is What It Seems. 2024. Oil on canvas. 146 x 195 cm.

What is the importance of movement, of action, in your works?

Movement and action are related to the previous question, because the movement of those individuals, crowds or characters in the work identifies them with a social movement and a collective identity. Also the movement that is really perceived in the work, of blurring, comes from trying to create a concept of character rather than a character in itself.

Art Madrid’26 presents One Shot Collectors, a program sponsored by One Shot Hotels that returns to the fair -now in its sixth edition- with the goal of making contemporary art collecting more accessible and encouraging new and established collectors alike. The initiative is designed to support both art professionals and new audiences interested in starting or strengthening a collection by providing tools, knowledge, and specialized guidance.

One Shot Collectors promotes an informed and approachable way of acquiring artworks, understanding collecting as a process that requires discernment, context, and time. The program serves as a bridge between the public and the artworks presented at the fair, fostering a confident and well-informed relationship with the art market.

The program is directed by Ana Suárez Gisbert, an art advisor with extensive experience in the art market. Her background includes artwork valuation and appraisal, as well as personalized advisory services throughout the acquisition process, helping participants identify works that align with their interests, budget, and goals. Her approach combines technical rigor with a strong commitment to best practices and sustainability within the art ecosystem.

Art collecting goes beyond the purchase of a single work. It involves an intellectual, aesthetic, and personal journey that connects collectors with the artist’s context, discourse, and creative process. Building a collection means developing a personal point of view, making informed decisions, and allowing the collection to evolve coherently over time, guided by enjoyment and confidence in one’s own taste.

So how do we decide where to focus and how to move forward? Where do we begin? How does one purchase connect to the next? A successful acquisition comes from following personal interests, learning to recognize what truly resonates with us, and staying informed before and throughout the process.

During Art Madrid’26, One Shot Collectors offered a personalized advisory service tailored to different profiles: established collectors, individuals acquiring their first artwork, and companies interested in developing collections aligned with their values and brand identity. The program adapts to a wide range of needs and offers customized tours of the fair based on aesthetic, conceptual, and budget considerations.

Our Art Advisor prepares a curated selection of artworks according to each buyer’s criteria and provides support throughout the negotiation process, offering a professional and strategic perspective. In this way, collecting becomes an informed, coherent, and rewarding experience.

Beginning a collection may stem from a desire for knowledge and aesthetic, social, economic, or even corporate exploration. At Art Madrid, we encourage collecting among individuals and companies interested in patronage and investment. This initiative is aimed at both professionals and contemporary art enthusiasts who wish to start or continue building a collection. Art Madrid presents a wide variety of works across disciplines such as photography, painting, sculpture, and installation, spanning a broad range of price points.

Whether you are an experienced collector, a first-time buyer, or a company seeking to express its values through art, the One Shot Collectors program offers a comprehensive experience.

ABOUT ONE SHOT HOTELS. SPONSOR OF ART MADRID

One Shot Hotels is a collection of 14 boutique hotels set in some of the most desirable locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, San Sebastián, and Porto. In 2026, the brand will expand its presence with new openings in three additional destinations: Ibiza, Lisbon, and Bilbao. Each property embodies a strong commitment to design, creativity, and aesthetics, seamlessly weaving art and culture into every space.

More than places to stay, One Shot Hotels are destinations with soul. Every interior reflects artistic sensitivity and an uncompromising attention to detail, offering guests a memorable experience where comfort, style, and culture coexist effortlessly. A spirit of closeness, innovation, and a deep passion for the arts defines the brand’s identity and shapes the way it connects people with the creative essence of each city it inhabits.

Through initiatives such as One Shot Collectors, the hotel group brings art and culture closer to both guests and visitors, fostering meaningful connections between its hotel spaces and the creative pulse of each destination.

ABOUT ANA SUÁREZ GISBERT. PROGRAM ART ADVISOR

Ana Suárez Gisbert holds a law degree from Complutense University of Madrid, with a specialization in international law and the international trade of artworks. She is a certified art and antiques appraiser and court-appointed expert through Antonio de Nebrija University, and a partner at the art appraisal firm Art Value Project.

She has carried out appraisal work for major collections and insurance companies and has represented leading international publications in the fields of art and design, including Frieze, Frieze Masters, and Gagosian. She currently combines her work at the appraisal firm with an art and sustainability project for private companies and municipal institutions

The advisory service is part of Art Madrid’26 One Shot Collectors Program and is completely free for participants who register in advance. To receive personalized advice, please request more information at vip@art-madrid.com or register using the following form: