Ruben Abstract

Rubén Abstract is a Spanish artist and keen triathlete. His international collector base is fast growing as his works are beginning to be exhibited worldwide at important art fairs and galleries. Forest Gallery is delighted to represent Swimmers in the UK where Rubén’s colourful creations are exhibited both in our Petworth gallery as well as art fairs in London.   

Rubén started painting Swimmers because he wanted to reproduce how impressive the swim start of an Ironman triathlon was for him. He wanted everyone to enjoy the pleasure of being in the sea, in transparent waters, in which you can see your shadow on the ocean floor. 

Whilst beginning his journey with the Swimmers collection, Rubén wanted to paint a swimmer following its flow, being genuine without following the rest. ‘You being truly you’. This concept is embodied by one figure in each artwork swimming in the opposite direction to the others.  

Follow your flow in the sea of life, he thought, fight restlessly, and make your dream come true. Choose your attitude and direction in life, and become that swimmer that goes against the grain, no matter what people expect from you, no matter what it takes. Just trust yourself, as you have never done before, and flow.  

The creation of each artwork takes around a month in total due to the different materials and processes involved. Rubén begins his artworks by painting real or abstract seabeds on specially made wooden panels and then the shadows of each swimmer on top. Subsequently, he applies a resin layer over which, once the resin has fully set, he can create the swimmers using enamel paint. The final flourish which brings each artwork to life are the textiles, each as unique as the swimmer itself and sourced from different boutiques in Madrid. 

Rubén’s Swimmers collection can be shipped internationally from the UK. As Rubén Abstract’s exclusive UK agent, we can also help to arrange special commissions. Choose your size, colour and who is swimming against the grain. It might be you, you and your partner or the whole family!