At BARNES, we understand the art of living as a subtle combination of space, aesthetics and emotion. In this context, art is not merely a decorative element, but a key piece capable of transforming a property into a unique sensory experience.
Today, we step into the universe of Iol Baqués, an artist based in the Empordà, whose abstract work, rich in textures and nuances, is born directly from the Mediterranean landscape. Inspired by light, earth and sea, each of her pieces is conceived to dialogue with its surroundings and bring character to the most refined interiors.
Through this interview, we discover not only her creative process, but also her vision of art as a vehicle for well-being, connection and expression. A perspective that naturally aligns with the lifestyle that defines our properties: unique spaces where art finds its place and elevates every room.
Your work originates in the Empordà. What is it about this place that so strongly influences your perspective and your way of creating?
The Empordà has a very particular light, intense yet soft at the same time, that transforms everything it touches. It is a landscape of contrasts: the sea, stone, aged wood, sand… All of this filters into my work in a very organic way. More than representing it, I absorb it. My work is born from that connection with what is essential, with nature, with the passage of time.
In your pieces, one can sense the sea, light and matter. How do you transform the landscape into emotion and texture?
I work from intuition and gesture. I do not seek to reproduce the landscape, but to translate it into sensations. Texture is key: I build layers, incorporate materials, and allow the work to have a physical presence. Light, often expressed through golden tones, acts as a guiding thread. It is a way of capturing the vibration of the environment and turning it into tangible emotion.
You define your work as sensory art. What would you like someone to feel when living with one of your pieces?
I am interested in the idea that the work is not only seen, but felt. That it creates calm, connection, even a pause. That each person can find something of their own in it. In the end, living with a work of art is about establishing a daily, almost intimate relationship.
Your creations have a strong presence in space. How does your art interact with the architecture and interior design of a property?
For me, the artwork is not a decorative element, it is a structural element of the space. It must engage in dialogue with the architecture, respect it, and at the same time give it identity. I work closely with interior designers because together we can create cohesive spaces where art is not an addition, but a key element that gives meaning to the whole.
In exclusive properties, art is part of the lifestyle. What role do you believe an artwork plays in the identity of a home?
Art defines the character of a space. It is what makes it unique, what humanises it. In exclusive homes, where everything is carefully curated, the artwork brings soul. It speaks about those who live there without the need for words.
You also create bespoke pieces for specific projects. What is the process of adapting to a space or a client like?
It is a very close and personal process. I begin by understanding the space, the light, the materials and, above all, the person or the project. From there, I create a piece that fits naturally. It is not about adapting something existing, but about creating something unique that makes sense in that context.
Beyond the artwork, you also develop artistic experiences. How did this desire to move from contemplative art to lived art arise?
It comes from a very clear need: to bring art closer to people. For years, art has been something observed from the outside. I wanted it to be experienced from within. That anyone could engage with the creative process, without judgment, in freedom.
Your experiences combine creativity, well-being and connection. Why do you think art is such a powerful tool in this sense today?
We live at a very fast pace, and art brings us back to something more essential. It helps us disconnect, express ourselves, and reconnect with ourselves and with others. It is not just a creative activity, it is a tool for balance.
The Empordà has established itself as a destination for those seeking calm, authenticity and beauty. How is this lifestyle reflected in your daily life as an artist?
It is part of everything. My rhythm, my way of working, even my decisions. There is a connection to authenticity here that is reflected in my work and my experiences. I work from that calm, with respect for time and processes.
Finally, if you had to imagine the ideal setting for one of your artworks, what would that space look like and what atmosphere would it convey?
A space filled with natural light, with noble materials and a certain simplicity. A place where the artwork can breathe. I aim to create serene, elegant atmospheres, with presence but without excess. Spaces where you feel like staying.
If there is anything else you would like to share that we have not mentioned…
I am deeply interested in the role of art as a creator of experiences, not just as an object. We live surrounded by aesthetically refined spaces, but they are not always designed to move us or to create connection. That is where art can make a real difference.
In my work, there is a clear intention: that each piece does not simply occupy a space, but transforms the way that space is experienced. That it brings presence, balance and an emotional dimension that goes beyond the visual.
I also strongly believe in the value of the unique. At a time when everything tends towards uniformity, choosing an original piece—created for a space or selected with intention—is a way of building identity. It is not just an aesthetic choice, it is a way of living.
And alongside this, there are the experiences. For me, they are a natural extension of the artwork. They allow people to approach art from a different perspective, more freely and more humanly. You do not need to know how to paint; you simply need to be willing to feel, to explore, to pause.
Ultimately, everything I do—whether a piece or an experience—revolves around the same idea: creating spaces with soul. Spaces that are not only visually appealing, but that are felt, that leave a mark and invite you to stay.
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