Joan Martínez Vallés
Joan Martínez Vallés (Valencia, 1989) explores the relationship between geometry, perception, and space through minimalist compositions and optical illusions. His paintings transform flat surfaces into structures that appear to acquire volume and depth, inviting the viewer to question what they see and to mentally construct the space.
You can see this artist's works at the following exhibitions:
Born in 1989 in Valencia, Spain, Joan Martínez Vallés is a visual artist and industrial designer. His practice explores the relationship between geometry, perception, and space. Through minimalist compositions and carefully constructed optical effects, he investigates how subtle variations in form, color, light, and shadow can alter the perception of depth and spatial relationships.
Working with acrylic and oil on canvas, Martínez Vallés develops visual structures that appear to transform as the viewer moves in front of them. Although her paintings remain physically flat, they generate a shifting illusion of volume and depth, turning the act of looking into an active perceptual experience. Rather than representing space, her work invites the viewer to construct it mentally, questioning the boundaries between objective reality and visual perception.
Among her recent recognitions are the First Prize of the 12th Ciutat de Carcaixent Painting Biennial (2025), the Acquisition Prize of the 86th International Exhibition of Visual Arts of Valdepeñas (2025), as well as her selection in the 49th National Visual Arts Contest “Ciudad de Manzanares” (2026) and the 50th National Painting Contest Vila de Pego (2026). Her work has also been selected in prominent Spanish competitions, including the Salvador Soria Painting Prize (Benissa), the International Exhibition of Visual Arts of Valdepeñas, the Fundación Cañada Blanch Prize, and the Ciutat Vella Oberta Valencia Biennial.
In September 2026, Joan Martínez Vallés will participate in POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair, as part of Berlin Art Week, after her work was selected OUTSIDE to become part of Selected POSITIONS, the special section of the fair dedicated to highlighting a selection of works among the proposals submitted by the participating galleries.
