December 02, 2008
A Sunday in La Latina with the Campoamors
I've been wanting to introduce you to Manolo Campoamor for a while. It's difficult for me to condense into a few words who or what Manolo is like. Some time ago, I had to impersonate him at the presentation of one of his works (an invaluable document), and even then, I find it hard to tell you about it.
Manolo is an artist, but not a pretentious one...so he won't like me describing him that way. Better yet, Manolo is a creator—ooh, that sounds super pretentious. Hmm...Manolo is the most pleasant person to spend a Sunday afternoon with. The man you see before you has shaken Andy Warhol's hand, performed with Kaka de Luxe, sung with Los Pegamoides, and painted Cuban athletes, among many other things, so he always has material for a good conversation. What's truly surprising, though, is that he's also a haven of peace.
Manolo: Custo shirt, vintage jacket. Mario: Filippa K jacket, antique medal (MINE!)
It's even more surprising when I tell you that, if all the above wasn't enough, he's also Mario's uncle, the consort Count of this blog. You'll understand that someone like that is difficult to introduce briefly.
If someone were to break into my house, I'd recommend they focus on Manolo's paintings; they're the only thing of value. Though it would hurt me terribly because every now and then I look at them and speak to them fondly because I know they're unique and I know the hand that made them. That's a privilege I envy to death in those who have original art in their homes. I admit that the ones in my house are from his nephew (MINE!), which makes me very happy that I recently received my first Manolo, not Manolos.
Talking about his work is beyond me, but you can browse his blog and talk to him. Like a couple of Italian friends who commissioned a painting from him for their anniversary, and you wouldn't believe what a beautiful thing he made for them with onion paper and some old Italian movie posters. If you're looking for a gift to impress someone difficult, talk to Manolo.
I'll leave you with some photos from that afternoon that I took in sepia, and they look like they're from another era. They make me feel very peaceful, as if everything is calm. It's hard to believe it's Madrid.
Ah, in honor of our guest, El Vestidor is bringing back the header that Manolo designed some time ago, much more autumnal and therefore appropriate for this time of year.
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Post edited at the artist's request to remove his photos and replace them with artworks. Delighted! Now El Vestidor has its own original artworks!
Manolo is an artist, but not a pretentious one...so he won't like me describing him that way. Better yet, Manolo is a creator—ooh, that sounds super pretentious. Hmm...Manolo is the most pleasant person to spend a Sunday afternoon with. The man you see before you has shaken Andy Warhol's hand, performed with Kaka de Luxe, sung with Los Pegamoides, and painted Cuban athletes, among many other things, so he always has material for a good conversation. What's truly surprising, though, is that he's also a haven of peace.
Manolo: Custo shirt, vintage jacket. Mario: Filippa K jacket, antique medal (MINE!)It's even more surprising when I tell you that, if all the above wasn't enough, he's also Mario's uncle, the consort Count of this blog. You'll understand that someone like that is difficult to introduce briefly.
If someone were to break into my house, I'd recommend they focus on Manolo's paintings; they're the only thing of value. Though it would hurt me terribly because every now and then I look at them and speak to them fondly because I know they're unique and I know the hand that made them. That's a privilege I envy to death in those who have original art in their homes. I admit that the ones in my house are from his nephew (MINE!), which makes me very happy that I recently received my first Manolo, not Manolos.
Talking about his work is beyond me, but you can browse his blog and talk to him. Like a couple of Italian friends who commissioned a painting from him for their anniversary, and you wouldn't believe what a beautiful thing he made for them with onion paper and some old Italian movie posters. If you're looking for a gift to impress someone difficult, talk to Manolo.
I'll leave you with some photos from that afternoon that I took in sepia, and they look like they're from another era. They make me feel very peaceful, as if everything is calm. It's hard to believe it's Madrid.
Ah, in honor of our guest, El Vestidor is bringing back the header that Manolo designed some time ago, much more autumnal and therefore appropriate for this time of year.
------------------
Post edited at the artist's request to remove his photos and replace them with artworks. Delighted! Now El Vestidor has its own original artworks!