In this is a Collaborative Art Project between Portrait Photography and Visual Artists worldwide, I provide the Artists with a b&w photographic portrait of themselves and invite them to transform it into a Self-portrait with their art style. These two images (my original photographic portrait and their reimagined self-portrait) are reunited to  offer a powerful exploration of both the external likeness and the inner expression of the artist. The creative process is open-ended: each artist is free to rework the portrait in whatever way they choose.

Antonio Nodar

My selection process is driven by word of mouth, allowing me to connect with artists across all levels of the art world. This approach fosters a rich, interconnected network that spans across all styles, ages, genders, religions, and politics. In this way, I avoid imposing personal preferences, focusing instead on breaking boundaries and sharing in the creation of a collective artwork. The beauty of this collaboration lies in its diversity—artists from all walks of life bring their personal touch, offering an intimate reflection of themselves.

So far, over 1,200 artists from around the world have participated, each completing their portrait and corresponding self-portrait. Published ... from portrait to self-portrait ... VOL.I. housing the first 242 participating artists

Short-Term: To continue publishing the full collection of participating artists.

Medium-to-Long-Term: As the original diptychs are not for sale, my goal is to establish a permanent home for the collection as a legacy for future generations, all while continually adding new artists to the project.

Professional Journey

Theatre Experience (1960s–1970s)

• Active in the Spanish theatre scene, performing with Compañía DITEA in Santiago de Compostela (Galicia).
• Pursued formal theater training at Mountview Theater School in London and the Ecole de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, which shaped my foundational approach to artistic expression.

Transition to Photography (1980s)

• Shifted focus to photography with a strong emphasis on photojournalism.
• Appointed Head of the Photo Section at Diari de Barcelona.
• Worked as a freelance photographer for notable publications, including Agencia EFE, El Mundo, and Ajo Blanco.

Artistic Projects

…from portrait to self-portrait… Project (1996–Present)

A collective, ongoing photography project merging traditional portraiture with creative self-representation.

• Concept: I photograph an artist in black and white, provide them with one of the prints, and invite them to transform it into a self-portrait. The two images are then reunited into a diptych.
• Global Reach: Since its inception, over 1,200 artists have participated across various countries.

Key Exhibitions:

• 1997 (Barcelona): Presented with 97 artists at Maria Jose Castellví Gallery, earning the ACCA Best Gallery Exhibition Award.
• 2012 (Kathmandu, Nepal): Featured 317 local artists at Patan Museum.
• 2013 (San Salvador, El Salvador): Showcased 270 artists at the Palacio Nacional.
• 2014 (La Coruña, Galicia): Displayed 170 artists at M.A.C. Gas Natural Union Fenosa.
• 2015–2016 (Paris): Exhibited 210 artists at Jour et Nuit Gallery.

Publications:

• …from portrait to self-portrait… Vol. 1 (2010): A limited-edition book documenting the first 242 participating artists. Exhibited in:
  • 2010: Barcelona (Palo Alto)
  • 2011: London (Hundred Year Gallery)
  • 2012: Orkney Islands (Papay Gyro Nights Festival)
  • 2013: Galicia (Sala Anton Mozo)

2222: The Year of the Snake

A futuristic Sci-Fi project addressing climate change and its impact on human perception of the world.

• Concept: Explores the transformation of atmospheric gases and particles and their effects on how humans experience light, sound, and the environment.

Key Exhibitions:

• 2012: Papay Gyro Nights Festival (Orkney Islands)
• 2012: Hammer House (Soho, London)
• 2022: A.C. Canle (Lira, Galicia)
• 2023: Part of the Sempre Mais collective exhibitions at the Auditorio de Galicia and Pazo da Cultura de Pontevedra.
• 2024: La Fonderie de Fontenay and Maison du Citoyen (Paris)
•        

Art Claustrofobic (K.R.A.) (1980s–1990s)

An immersive installation project exploring societal collapse and war.

• Themes: Spanning topics like nuclear war, holidays, and new world order, these long-term installations were showcased in various locations across Spain, with each exhibition lasting several days and nights.

Key Installations:

• Badalona: Spanish Civil War refuge (Theme: Nuclear War, 5 days and nights)
• Barcelona: Centro Civico Sant Andreu (Theme: Holidays, 6 days and nights)
• Barcelona: Swears at Diagonal/Paseig de Sant Joan (Theme: Post-Nuclear War, 7 days and nights)
• Badalona: Torre del Agua, Slaughterhouse (Theme: New World Order, 8 days and nights)