Matsuhisa Nobu
Genesis
This project came at a moment when I was living in Ibiza and working as a barista at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay during the summer season. Each morning the hotel’s director, J.M. Molina, came to the Bay Café bar to have his coffee, and over time we connected through conversations about film, science fiction and visual culture. One day I showed him my Art Toys, and he immediately understood the kind of work I do.
Every year, when Matsuhisa Nobu visits the hotel, a special gift is prepared for him. In the meeting where that gift was decided, the director proposed one of my figures, and eventually the idea moved forward.
Process
I accepted the commission even though I didn’t have a studio in Ibiza or the tools I usually work with. I bought the materials, set up a small temporary workspace and organised everything so I could sculpt and bake the piece.
It was an intense process due to the limited time and resources, but also a very rewarding one. Despite the circumstances, I managed to create a figure that represented my visual language and was up to the occasion.
Event
On the day of the visit, the hotel invited me to the event so I could personally hand the piece to Nobu on the photocall.
His reaction was very warm, he really liked it, took photos of it and even shared it on his social media. It was a meaningful moment and a very direct acknowledgment of my work in a context completely unrelated to the Art Toy world.
Outcome
The piece became part of Matsuhisa Nobu’s personal collection.
For me, it was an important project, not only because of who received it, but because I was able to bring it to life outside my usual working environment and with minimal resources.
