10 Questions With Coco Dávez

“Faceless brings together the joy of colours and my comic side, it's my creative engine. Some people have an aura around them, a specific colour that expresses who they are.”

Renowned for her vibrant use of acrylic paint and block colours, Spanish artist Coco Dávez’s striking Faceless works are a smooth blend of rich, contrasting colours, and dark shadows. Coco’s subjects are a diverse mix of cultural and historical influences ranging from celebrities, musicians and artists, to film characters and cartoons. Interweaving pop art with neorealism, large, radiant canvases convey recognisable characteristics, clothing or accessories to help distinguish each idols identity, 

As part of our women's exhibition HerStory - Women in Art, we asked Coco some questions on her experience in the art world, what she would be doing if she wasn't an artist, and the message she would like to send out to young women this International Women's Day. 

Maddox: What are you currently working on?

Coco: At the moment I’m working on some international projects for brands like Mini Cooper, Kiehl’s, Uno de 50 and Douglas. I’m also working on a new collection of paintings with unknown Faceless in the middle of nowhere and landscapes.

Describe a normal working day

I use to arrive at studio around 11 in the morning, I work better in the afternoon and night, but I need to be in in the morning to get in touch with my clients. In the morning I do admin work on the computer; emails, proposals, invoices, etc. In the afternoon my mind is very awake and ready to start creating, so I paint, do projects, shoots… I leave the studio around 8 or 9 in the evening but if I am feeling very creative, I might stay working until 1 or 2 in the morning.

You’re known for your bold use of colour. Where does this come from?

For me [colour] is a language, I can express myself better through colour than words, it’s a mood, an atmosphere, a lifestyle!

What’s your relationship with social media like?

It’s a great tool and I really enjoy working on it. It’s my window to the world, open 24/7.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?

A singer, it’s my frustrated dream! My voice is not the best, but attitude is the most important thing, so maybe someday!

Which artist of the past would you most like to meet?

I would have loved to meet Peggy Guggenheim, Helen Frankenthaler, Frida and Chavela Vargas (together), The Eames, Calder, Picasso, Warhol and Haring.

You’re based in Madrid and exhibit regularly in London - how do the art scenes differ?

I feel that London is used to the continuous change of the artistic scene and is committed to young talents, Spain begins to do so but still has a hard time understanding certain types of art.

Last year, you were named in the top 30 under 30 for art and culture by Forbes, what did this mean to you and were you surprised by the news?

For sure it was a great surprise for me and it opened doors for me to start having more international projects.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to women wanting to make a career in the art world?

That the road will not be easy, that at times you'll lose motivation but that is why you should never stop. Look for what feeds your mind and that doesn't cut your wings. Although it is hard, painting is a wonderful passion.

On International Women’s Day, what message would you like to be sending out to young women?

Don't worry about failing! History has not allowed us to do that in a long time, we have had a lot of pressure but we must take that away and be able to take out the beautiful and interesting things that are learned from trial and error. That's where you learn the most, nobody does well at first.