Miriam Dema’s artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of exploration, and of embracing the unexpected. Graduating in Fine Arts from the University of Barcelona in 2017, Dema initially grappled with an emotional and creative block during her studies, leading her to temporarily shift her focus to conceptual art and cooking. It wasn’t until her move to Lima, Peru, with the intention of studying Peruvian cuisine, that the distance from home and the vibrant environment sparked a profound shift in her artistic expression.
The transformative experience in Peru marked a pivotal moment in Dema’s creative style. She gained the distance needed to shed the weight of expectations, allowing her to explore a distinctive pictorial language inspired by the richness of Peru’s colors. Although her work has evolved over the years, the central themes of human relationships, resisting haste, and the transformative power of food remain at the core of her artistic expression.
Now, Dema has established herself as a highly successful artist in the vibrant Barcelona and European art scenes, with her exhibitions making waves in prestigious European art capitals, including Paris and London.
Her work pays homage to the beauty of imperfection and the generosity of life during moments of splendor. She finds allure in small irregularities, akin to those found in craftsmanship or the passage of time on a wall. These imperfections, to her, serve as windows into diverse realities and memories, carrying both historical weight and emotional resonance.
Passionate about the imprecision and roughness of oil sticks and pastels, Dema employs an intuitive and memory-driven approach in her work. Her choice of materials reflects a desire for spontaneity and a balance between unpredictability and the game-like nature of her process. She delves into themes inspired by her childhood, and creates a powerful
miriam dema
Miriam Dema, El Carinyo
photo: Isa Santorsola
works
Taula rosa (2024)
Acrylic, oil stick and lace on linen
21x13 cm
El pati i el sol (2024)
Acrylic and oil stick on linen
163x114 cm
De Nit (2024)
Acrylic, oil stick on jacquard
92x65 cm
Pastis de poma al cel (2024)
Acrylic and oil stick on linen
160x200 cm
Després de dinar (2024)
Acrylic, acrylic ink and oil stick on linen
61x38 cm
Copa de vi (2024)
Acrylic, oil stick on jacquard
16,5x10 cm