Javier Iturbe is a self-taught artist whose staunch individuality comes forth in a fascinating style that expresses his personal philosophy. Buildings, figures, violins, butterflies and other elements interlock and overlap to create a metaphorical pastiche, with titles that give the audience additional clues to interpret the meaning behind the work. Born in Bilboa, Spain in 1945, Iturbe’s artistic progression began with realistic landscapes, but his interest in semiotics drove him to create a unique, interpretive realm for his ideas. His paintings are exciting to explore, being bold in color and form, and resembling the appearance of a sprawling jigsaw puzzle. While the characters and forms are easy to discern, interpreting the relationship between them is usually left up to the viewer. “I have been searching a subjective and intimate message among different shapes and images, so that the spectators create their own idea,” he states. Iturbe has participated in exhibitions in Spain and throughout Europe; he currently lives and works in Spain.