RAFEL BESTARD

PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN 1967

Rafel Bestard (Palma de Mallorca, 1967) has a style of painting matches the quality of old mas- ters. It seems to be real. Down to earth colors, real down to earth people caught in activities that range from sharing down to earth moments to the most absurd contortions. People who try to escape gravity and at the same time show gravitas. People who make fools out of themselves and at the same time seem to be the wisest prophets. All sharing with each other creating a never ending flow of riding the waves of life. What we see is the cornucopia of Rafel Bestard’s obser- vations and experiences, thoughts and emotions, earth and sky. This abundance in combination with his artistic mastership does not only create canvasses but it creates spaces which we can dwell in. Spaces of celebration and joy and peace on an ever swirling roller coaster.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

  • Rafel Bestard. Heissings Art, Berlin, 2021
  • Rafel Bestard. Galeria Contrast, Barcelona, 2021
  • Rafel Bestard. Heissings Art, Berlin, 2021
  • Rafel Bestard. Galeria Contrast, Barcelona, 2021
  • Rafel Bestard. Galerie Mokum, Amsterdam, 2020
  • Rafel Bestard. Galerie Heissingsart, Berlin, 2019
  • Man or Rabbit. Galeria Contrast. Barcelona, 2019
  • Infamous angel. Can Gelabert. Binnissalem, 2018
  • We the souls. Kirk Gallery. Aalborg, 2018
  • To touch a sore spot. Galeria Contrast, Barcelona, 2015
  • Rafel Bestard. Malerei. Galerie Heissingsart, Lübeck, 2014.
  • Paisatge interior, Galería Contrast. Barcelona, 2013
  • Virtudes inconfesables, Galería Contrast. Barcelona, 2009
  • Inadaptacions, Casal Solleric. Palma de Mallorca, 2009
  • Rafel Bestard, Obres 1998-2006, Torre de Ses Puntes, Manacor, Mallorca, 2006
  • Rafel Bestard, Son Tugores. Alaró, 2004
  • Rafel Bestard, Pintures 02, Galería Horrach Moyá. Palma de Mallorca, 2003

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

  • Back to art, Heisings Art, Lübeck, 2021
  • Contrast by Contrast, Galeria Contrast, Barcelona, 2020
  • At the edge of realism, Kirk Gallery, Aalborg, 2020
  • Irrealisme, Galeria Contrast, Barcelona, 2017
  • Peripècies, S’Escorxador, Marratxí, 2016
  • The 3rd , 4th & 6th Beijing International Art Biennale. National Art Museum of China, Beijing, 2008, 2010, 2015.
  • Masters and Students, Palacio Los Serrano, Bankia Found. Ávila, 2014
  • Figuracions, Galeria Contrast, Barcelona, 2013
  • Narracions. Galeria Contrast. Barcelona, 2011
  • Watermarks. NDSM-werf, Amsterdam, 2009
  • Art emergent a les Illes Balears III. Itinerant exhibition between 2004 & 2007, Balearic Islands and Barcelona

ART FAIRS

  •   Context Art Miami, Miami. 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021
  •   VOLTA Basel. 2019, 2021
  •   ART KARLSRUHE, Karlsruhe. 2019, 2020 
  •   Scope Basel International Art Fair. Basel, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017
  •   KunstRAI, Amsterdam, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019
  •   CI Contemporary Istambul, Istambul, 2013, 2014 & 2015
  •   SWAB, Barcelona, 2013 & 2014
  •   TIAF Toronto International Art Fair, Toronto, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2014
  •   Scope New York International Art Fair. New York, 2010 & 2012
  •   Scope Miami 2010, International Art Fair. Miami, 2010

PRIZES AT ART COMPETITIONS

  • Special Distinction of the jury, X Premi Salou de Recerca Pictòrica,. Salou, 2016
  • 1stPrize X Bienal de Artes Plásticas Ciudad de Albacete. Albacete, 2012
  • Adquisiton Prize, VIII Bienal de Artes Plásticas Ciudad de Albacete. Albacete, 2008
  • Jury’s special mention, Premis Ciutat de Palma d’Arts Plàstiques, Palma de Mallorca, 2007 & 2008
  • 1st Prize, Premi Ciutat de Manacor d’Arts Plàstiques, 2007 Manacor
  • 2nd Prize, Certamen internacional de Pintura Vila de Binissalem, Binissalem 2004
  • 1st Prize, Certamen de Pintura Dijous Bo 2001, Inca
  • 1st   Prize, XL Premi a la pintura jove, Sala Parés-Fund. Banc de Sabadell, Barcelona,    1999