Escat Gallery Expands Horizons: Eyes Asian Art Market for Future Growth

We interviewed Pau Escat, a contemporary artist and gallery owner from Barcelona, Spain. He is the founder of the innovative project Casa Estudio Granados and Escat Gallery, with locations in Mahón, Menorca, and Barcelona. Pau is dedicating his career to promoting emerging talent and establishing meaningful connections in the art world. In this interview, he shares his vision, career path, and future projects that are making a difference in the contemporary art scene.

Anna Masó: Pau, could you share with us a bit about your background and how your passion for art developed? What led you to pursue a professional career in the art world?

Pau Escat: From a very young age, art has been an integral part of my life. I grew up in a family that valued artistic expressions, which sparked an innate curiosity in me for the art world. I studied figurative painting with various teachers, learning technique, composition, and the play of light and shadow.

My career took a new direction when I began working for international fashion and luxury brands, which allowed me to see new approaches and travel around the world. For many years, I complemented this work with my role as an artist.

During the pandemic, I decided to dedicate myself exclusively to art, creating Casa Estudio Granados. This project focused on advancing the careers of selected artists, organizing exhibitions in unique locations, and connecting their works with global collectors. The success and recognition of this project allowed me to grow as an artist and gallery owner. Nowadays, I have founded Escat Gallery, with locations in Barcelona and Mahón, Menorca. My team and I work on both projects, creating synergies between them and continuing our mission to promote art and enrich people’s lives.

AM: What role does the color gold play in your artistic practice? Tell us more about your passion for this particular color.

PE: For me, gold in my works symbolizes wealth, light, and spirituality, and it has the ability to transform a piece, giving it an almost mystical dimension. In my work as an artist, I use gold to create contrasts and highlight specific elements, adding depth and luminosity to my paintings. This element not only brings a sense of luxury and opulence but also connects with art history, evoking the traditions of religious iconography and Renaissance gilding.

AM: What should the viewer feel when looking at your works?

PE: The viewer should feel a deep emotional connection. I want each piece to offer a unique experience, where the details and composition spark curiosity and interest. The use of contrasts and the play of light and shadow is designed to create an immersive atmosphere that transports the observer to a meditative state.

In short, my intention is for the viewer not just to see an image but to immerse themselves in a sensory and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impression, inviting them to explore beyond the visible and connect with their own emotions and thoughts.

AM: How would you describe your art galleries?

PE: I would describe my art galleries, Escat Gallery, as spaces dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of contemporary art. Founded in 2024, with locations in Barcelona and Mahón, Menorca, our mission is to showcase the works of emerging and established artists through the Casa Estudio Granados project, where we work on different strategies to bring the artists’ work to a large international audience.

Each exhibition at Escat Gallery is meticulously curated, harmonizing artistic concepts with artworks selected in great detail. We firmly believe that the purpose of a gallery goes beyond simple displays on the walls. For us, art is a catalyst that ignites new meanings and connections between various works, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.

In addition to our exhibitions, we have initiated an artist residency program in Menorca aimed at nurturing the creativity and contributions of contemporary artists. This program offers a stimulating environment where artists from our gallery can develop their projects on the island.

In summary, my galleries are dedicated to creating meaningful artistic experiences and fostering a deep connection between art and the viewer, both locally and internationally.

AM: Could you share with us your current or upcoming projects?

PE: Currently, we are working on several exciting projects at Escat Gallery. This year, we will participate in Art Nou, the emerging art festival in Barcelona. At our gallery in Barcelona, we will exhibit the works of Pol Pintó, a very promising Catalan artist.

Additionally, we will be present at SWAB, the Barcelona art fair, where we have a major proposal that we are eager to unveil soon. This fair is an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of the artists we represent.

Until the end of the year, we have also scheduled several exhibitions with very interesting artists. These exhibitions are designed to offer an enriching artistic experience and to continue fostering the connection between contemporary art and the public.

We are very excited about all these projects and the opportunity to continue supporting and promoting talented artists in our galleries.

AM: Have you ever collaborated with designers or have any interest in doing so?

PE: Yes, we are always open to new proposals and collaborations with designers and other creatives. In August, we are preparing an exhibition in our Menorca space titled «Piedra y Sal,» featuring a series of very special works by artist Bea Sarrias. These works were created during her stay at our artist residency in Menorca.

For this occasion, we have collaborated with interior designers Quintana Partners. Bea Sarrias has interpreted the most significant projects of these interior designers on the island of Menorca in her work. The opening of «Piedra y Sal» will be on August 11. This collaboration is a perfect example of how art can integrate and dialogue with other creative disciplines, offering new perspectives and enriching the artistic experience for both the creator and the viewer.

AM: Is there a specific moment or a particular exhibition that you consider a turning point in your career as a gallery owner?

PE: Yes, there was definitely a specific moment that marked a turning point in my career as a gallery owner: the «Let It Bleed» exhibition at our Menorca space. This exhibition was not only significant for being one of the first in our space but also because it initiated a path in our galleries that highlighted the synergy between different lines of artistic work.

In «Let It Bleed,» we presented works by artists such as Gabriela Meunie, Iñaki Moreno, Beñat Olaberria, Hannes Schauer, and myself. The way their different styles and artistic approaches connected so well was truly inspiring. This exhibition showed how diverse artistic perspectives can coexist and dialogue in the same space, creating a rich and cohesive experience for the viewer.

«Let It Bleed» not only attracted the attention of collectors and critics but also solidified our vision of what we want to achieve with our galleries: a place where contemporary art can flourish and where artists from different backgrounds can meet and collaborate. This success has driven us to continue exploring and supporting art in meaningful ways and to keep creating exhibitions that deeply resonate with our audience.

AM: What is your criteria or how do you discover new artists for your gallery?

PE: I really enjoy discovering new artists, both national and international. For me, it is very important that their work has a distinctive quality that makes the artist’s work unique. Additionally, I consider it essential that the artist has significant potential in the art world. I need to perceive that their work is their life and understand the importance they attribute to their art.

I also analyze their résumé and evaluate whether their career is on an upward trajectory rather than a downward one. I greatly enjoy the process of finding and discovering artists’ work. If all these elements are met, then I believe the artist can perform well in our gallery and generate interest among collectors.

AM: What artists or art movements have influenced you the most in your life?

PE: Throughout my life, many artists and art movements have deeply influenced me. Among the artists, I feel a great admiration for the masters of the Renaissance, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, for their technical mastery and their ability to capture the human essence in their works.

In terms of art movements, Impressionism has had a significant impact on my vision of art. The way artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir played with light and color to capture fleeting moments has greatly inspired me. Similarly, Abstract Expressionism, with figures like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, has influenced my appreciation for freedom and emotion in artistic creation.

I also find great inspiration in more contemporary movements, such as Conceptual Art and Minimalism, where ideas and simplicity play central roles in the work. Artists like Marina Abramović and Donald Judd have expanded my understanding of what art can be and how it can communicate with the viewer in innovative and profound ways.

In summary, my life and artistic practice have been shaped by a rich diversity of influences, ranging from classical Renaissance masters to contemporary avant-garde artists, each contributing a unique perspective that enriches my own work and approach as a gallery owner.

AM: In terms of fashion, how would you describe your personal style and how do you think it reflects on you?

PE: In terms of fashion, I would describe my personal style as elegant and contemporary, with a leaning towards simplicity and sophistication. I like to combine classic pieces with modern touches, always paying attention to details and the quality of materials.

I believe this style is reflected in my personal and professional approach. In my galleries, I seek an aesthetic that combines the classic with the modern, creating innovative spaces. The attention to detail and appreciation for quality that I apply to my clothing also translates into the way we curate our exhibitions and select artworks.

My personal style is an extension of my artistic philosophy: valuing timelessness, authenticity, and individual expression. Just as in fashion, where each piece is carefully chosen to create a coherent and meaningful image, in my galleries each work and each exhibition is selected and organized to offer a profound aesthetic and emotional experience.

AM: How do you stay updated with current trends in the art world?

PE: To stay updated with current trends in the art world, I use several strategies. One of the most effective is the use of Instagram. This platform allows me to follow a wide variety of artists, galleries, and critics, providing me with an instant view of emerging trends and innovations in the art field. Through Instagram, I can discover new talents, explore collaborations, and keep up with the latest movements and exhibitions.

Besides social media, I find it crucial to visit artists’ studios. These visits allow me to see their creative processes firsthand and better understand their work. It is an enriching experience that gives me a deeper perspective on their techniques and concepts. It also provides an opportunity to establish personal connections with the artists, which is essential for developing fruitful collaborations and supporting their careers in a meaningful way.

These visits and my activity on Instagram are complemented by my attendance at art fairs and exhibitions. Participating in these events helps me stay immersed in the dynamic world of art, allowing me to always be aware of the latest trends and developments.

In summary, I stay updated through a combination of social media, visits to artists’ studios, and participation in key events, which keeps me constantly connected to the trends and evolutions in the art world.

AM: Escat Gallery is located in the heart of Barcelona on Trafalgar Street 47. What inspired you to open this space and how do you choose the artists you exhibit?

PE: I had been looking for a space in Barcelona that would convey the personality of my gallery for a while. My idea was to be on Trafalgar Street, where a large number of Barcelona galleries are investing in this street, and where I have been warmly welcomed by all the gallerists. We are working in very positive directions as a team to develop actions that are highly beneficial for the city and the art world.

The artists exhibited at Escat Gallery are all selected by me. They are artists who have stood out in the Casa Estudio Granados project and with whom we have achieved our goals. Once they have distinguished themselves in this project, they can join the exhibition program of our galleries. We work as a team to create unique exhibitions, ensuring that each show is a memorable and enriching experience for both the artists and the public.

AM: What do you think sets your gallery apart from other contemporary art spaces in the city?

PE: What sets Escat Gallery apart from other contemporary art spaces in the city is our unique and personalized approach to selecting and supporting emerging artists through the Casa Estudio Granados project. This allows us to discover and present fresh and promising talents that are not found in other galleries.

Our distinctive style combines elegance and sophistication with groundbreaking elements, ensuring that each exhibition not only reflects the vision and creativity of the artists but also offers a visually impactful and memorable experience. This combination of curatorial excellence and innovative spirit ensures that our exhibitions are always of high quality and resonance.

In summary, Escat Gallery stands out for its support of emerging artists, its unique style that blends elegance, sophistication, and innovative elements, and its commitment to curatorial excellence.

AM: What strategies do you implement to ensure that the artists you represent reach a broad audience?

PE: The most important step is for an artist to be selected for the Casa Estudio Granados project. Once selected, it is vital to establish a close and trusting relationship from the start, as we consider our project a family of artists. We work on their artistic discourse and advise them on the direction of their work, as well as the presentation of their pieces.

Our goal is for collectors to better understand the artwork, connecting more deeply with the artist, their life, and their studio work. This approach makes it easier for people to connect with the artist’s work and appreciate its authenticity and depth.

When results are positive and there is public interest and acceptance, we move on to work on an exhibition at Escat Gallery. At this stage, we bring together all the elements we’ve worked on, from the artistic discourse to the final presentation, to ensure an exhibition that resonates with a wide audience.

All these strategies are connected through our platforms and online presence, which allows us to reach a much larger audience. We use our social media, website, and other digital channels to promote our artists’ works, ensuring that their work is seen and appreciated globally.

These strategies not only support the artists in their development but also ensure that their works reach a broader and more diverse audience, deeply connecting with collectors and viewers.

AM: What advice would you give to young artists starting their careers?

PE: It is crucial for your work to convey a message linked to your life, environment, and emotions, creating a deep connection with yourself. When an artist can reflect their personal experiences and feelings in their work, it creates a genuine connection that resonates with both the audience and collectors. Work on developing your own artistic line and find your unique voice. This authenticity is what will make you stand out in a world full of talent.

Additionally, it is essential to showcase your work on social media to increase its visibility. Digital platforms are powerful tools for reaching a global audience. It’s important to dedicate time to having a clear strategy, as this will allow you to stand out and connect deeply with your audience.

Use quality materials and never stop improving and perfecting your techniques. Dedication to quality and continuous improvement will not only elevate your work but also demonstrate your commitment and professionalism, key aspects for gaining recognition and respect in the art world.

AM: Is there any project or dream you have yet to realize but would like to achieve in the future?

PE: We are working towards entering the Asian art market and reaching a large number of new collectors who are increasingly interested in the art world. This market is very interesting and offers immense potential for the growth and visibility of our artists.

Our goal is not only to present our artists’ work to Asian collectors but also to create an enriching cultural exchange that benefits both artists and collectors. We believe that this expansion will allow us to establish meaningful and lasting connections in a vibrant and dynamic market, thus expanding the reach and impact of Escat Gallery.

Questions by @annaamaso

Interviewed @pauescat

Gallery @escatgallery