Juan Manuel Gomez
Journal
Juan Manuel Gomez, a Colombian artist renowned for his innovative use of denim as a canvas, crafts remarkable paintings that resonate with the depth of indigo. His artistic approach diverges from conventional tools, seamlessly integrating the implements of denim craftsmen in lieu of traditional pencils and brushes.
His artistic vision seeks to elevate denim fabrics into artistic masterpieces, a convergence shaped by the fusion of two artists deeply entrenched in both the realms of laundry processes and artistic expression. This vision materializes into exhibitions boasting awe-inspiring installations and multifaceted works showcased on denim.
His experimentation with laundry techniques for artistic projects and his creation of original paintings for esteemed brands like Denham the Jeanmaker have propelled him into the position of creative leader at Officina+39.
Gomez pioneers innovative concepts for color and dye, which are expertly refined into collections. His involvement not only amplifies the creative landscape within the company’s R&D department but also extends to conducting workshops and spearheading special client projects with an unwavering focus on sustainability.
We had the opportunity to partner with Juan Manuel Gomez for the Denim Gallery project, taking the chance to engage him in a series of insightful questions during our collaboration.
How did you find yourself in collaborating with Tonello?
We’ve known each other since 2008 when I made my initial winter visit for work purposes. Back then, I was involved with two laundries in Colombia and frequently traveled to Italy. Our paths continued to cross at trade fairs, exhibitions, and various eateries. Our connection deepened when I received an invitation in October 2016 to join the Denim Gallery initiative. It was during this project that I had the opportunity to personally assist Tonello in processing a garment at their remarkable showroom and lab. Since then, our relationship has grown into both a professional collaboration and a genuine friendship with the entire Tonello team.
What did the Denim Gallery experience bring you from a working point of view?
In my role as both an artist and a designer, I had always compartmentalized denim—using it either as a canvas for my artwork or for achieving exceptional finishing washes. The notion of consciously blending these aspects for a singular project hadn’t crossed my mind before. The Denim Gallery experience truly pushed me beyond my comfort zone, allowing me to explore working on garments with an artistic flair. Surprisingly, it also opened doors to developing novel finishes that possess both commercial appeal and adaptability for brands or collections.
Can you tell us what happened to you from both professional and personal point of view in these three years?
Over the past three years, I’ve embarked on an enriching journey, traversing the various realms of the denim world through different fairs spanning New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Paris. These experiences led me to encounter numerous esteemed companies in Portugal, Spain, and Germany, fostering admiration for their work. Exploring parts of Europe at a leisurely pace has been a newfound pleasure, allowing me to delve into regions I hadn’t previously explored. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of attending the Venice Biennale for the fourth consecutive time—an event that continuously inspires my passion for art, alongside the profound influence of music.
In June 2019, Barcelona became a pivotal moment for me as I collaborated on a significant project with Tonello, Candiani, and Officina+39. Alongside my friend and fellow artist Ian Berry, we ventured into painting and video installation, crafting an immersive experience. I’m hopeful that this unique installation can be shared and presented in various other global locations in the future.
What is your position today? What are your doing now?
Currently, I reside in Biella, Italy, overseeing the creative division of Officina+39 for the past two years. My tenure with Officina+39 has been pivotal in nurturing a significant and inspiring artistic and design trajectory within my career. This role involves orchestrating collections showcased at various fairs, guiding clients through our workshops from a design and creative standpoint, and spearheading art projects centered around sustainable and innovative textile themes.
Beyond our professional collaborations, my relationship with Officina+39 transcends into a cherished friendship, much like the historical connections I’ve cultivated with Candiani and Tonello—a blend of passion for our craft and genuine camaraderie.
How do you imagine your personal and professional future? Do you have any upcoming project?
In my foreseeable future, I aim to dive deeper into art projects involving denim and textiles as my primary mediums. Incorporating paper, collage, a spectrum of colors, and diverse techniques fascinates me. I also plan to explore pictorial themes, integrating text excerpts and film fragments to evoke nostalgia for our personal spaces and the simplicity of everyday life amidst the shift back to “normality.”
Presently, I’m working on a project with Denham scheduled for 2020 or 2021. This new artistic collaboration focuses on painting and cutting, and we hope to showcase it in both Asia (Japan) and Europe (Amsterdam, Italy), aiming to unite cultures through art.
On the professional front, my endeavors with Officina+39 involve collaborative projects with small brands, artists, and designers. The objective is to expand sustainable and creative possibilities by utilizing more environmentally friendly chemical products. Tonello’s technologies play a crucial role in linking the chemical and technological aspects, supporting a more eco-conscious approach within our industry.
