In a world where visual artists often face a choice between commercial success and personal expression, Andoni Beristain Beristain, a photographer and art director, has created a unique space that seamlessly merges both worlds. Born in 1989 in a small village in northern Spain, Andoni’s artistic journey began at a young age as he showed an early fascination with shapes and colors, observing the world around him. This curiosity led him to formal design studies in Barcelona, where he spent 14 years honing his craft before returning to his Basque roots.
Now based in San Sebastián, Andoni has built an impressive portfolio encompassing personal projects exploring profound human experiences and commercial work for prestigious global brands such as Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, Veuve Clicquot, Netflix, Adobe, and Braun. Despite his commercial success, Andoni has maintained a unique artistic voice, with his work being featured in international exhibitions and even appearing on billboards in Times Square.
What sets Andoni apart is his signature approach of addressing weighty subjects like obesity, cancer, and grief through vibrant colors, meticulous composition, and subtle humor. This juxtaposition of content and form makes his work instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant. His latest series on Christmas continues this tradition, offering a personal and critical reflection on modern holiday celebrations.
In a conversation with him, we dive into his journey to international recognition, how personal trauma has influenced his creative vision, and why he believes in shedding light on even the darkest subjects.
Roots and returns: the journey home
After establishing himself in Barcelona for 14 years, Andoni Beristain returned to his Basque homeland, settling in San Sebastián due to significant life events. „The environment I grew up in, the architecture, the mountains, the coast… they are very important to me,“ Andoni explains. „The vibrant colors of everything that surrounded me during my childhood have greatly influenced what I do. Growing up in a small town where absolutely nothing happened unconsciously exercised my imagination.“
His imagination found expression through drawing, painting, and music before design studies propelled him towards his current path. While Barcelona provided growth and opportunities, a health crisis prompted his return home. „In 2019, I had cancer, and everything changed,“ he reveals. „I felt I needed a change, a breath of fresh air, and I needed to reconnect with my roots.“
Despite the initial challenges of a smaller creative industry in his homeland, Andoni found that the sense of calm and inspiration from the Basque culture enriched his creative process.
The „Pieza“ Series: Transforming Pain into Beauty
Andoni’s most recognized personal projects form a trilogy of introspection. Pieza Redonda (Round Piece) tackles obesity and societal pressures surrounding body size, while Pieza Rota (Broken Piece) addresses disease and stigma, and Pieza Madre (Mother Piece) pays tribute to unconditional love and loss.
Despite the weighty themes, Andoni’s treatment is far from somber, characterized by bold colors and meticulous compositions. „They are very personal themes that I have experienced, and I feel compelled to express them in my own way,“ he explains. „I’ve always been a very cheerful person. I try to stay positive, even when it’s hard.“
This interplay between serious subject matter and vibrant aesthetics defines Andoni’s work, with color being a constant element across all his creations. „I suppose I bring light and color to the darkness,“
Pieza Madre is of particular importance to the artist. „It’s a series of 63 still-life photos taken outdoors in the Basque Country, dedicated to my mother, who passed away three years ago,“ he explains. „The photos reflect our relationship and how life can change suddenly.“
Andoni’s unique visual style has attracted impressive clients without compromising his artistry. „I adapt my style to fit the needs of the brand,“ he says. „My personal style is natural to me; it’s just how I work. While commercial projects may not have the deep message of my personal work, they always have a strong aesthetic.“
Some standout commercial projects for Andoni include Veuve Clicquot and a project for Iñurri, a Basque cancer association. His recent Christmas project continues his exploration of cultural phenomena with a critical and colorful perspective.
The Christmas series prompts reflection on the contradictions of the holiday season. „Will anyone remember a hippie savior who died for our sins?“ Andoni asks. „Is the critical thing to come together or simply survive these days? What a mess.“
Andoni’s use of wit, even in addressing difficult subjects, is another distinctive element of his work. „I’ve always believed that humor can help heal, even if it’s not entirely true,“ he muses.