Juanjo Sandoval, 1976

First studied art in la Llotja school of Barcelona, his home town. He also trained as a graphologist, which gave him an insight into calligraphy.
He has always been experimenting in different techniques, mainly wall painting, ,,
He worked for the Museo de Arts Textils of Barcelona, where he exhibited his works, as well as many other artistic and commercial venues of Barcelona and Valencia.

In 2008 he decided to engage exclusively in his art, a drastic and vital decision which also made him move to Senegal to seek inspiration and a different quality of life.

Senegal 2009:
Workshop with renowned Senegalese artist Kambel from Gorée island and Djambolo Association, on the Virage Beach, Dakar, offering painting courses with Kambel to young artists and amateurs.
Creation of an open space gallery on ths emblematic beach in Dakar.
Wall painting of the “Le Lebou Blanc”, the mythical fish shop of the only white man of the Lebou fishermen tribe.
He also designed a small collection of men and women shirts, with printed fabric, which have since been exhibited with great success, both in Barcelona, Madrid, Dakar and Cape Town. 

Senegal 2010:
Annual Carnaval of Kafountine (Casamance), wall painting of various shops and restaurants.
As well as helping with the organisation of ‘Kafconfusion’ arts festival, he learned and particated in local Senegalese arts such as gastronomy, fabric and clothing painting with batik techniques, ebony sculpture and leather work.
In Kafountine, he trained also with Jean Marie Keita (uncle of Mamadi Keita), master of traditional percussion from Guinea Conakry, and danced with the ‘Sitokoto’ dance group.
He spent much time out at sea with the local fisherman who use 24 meters pirogues, using this harsh and dedicated labour as another source of inspiration for his recent works. 

Cape Town 2010:
Juanjo has recently moved to Cape Town where he is organising exhibitions with local artists, such as Blaise Okito in the Panafrican Market during the World Cup.
He wishes to showcase his works in the Mother City for it seems the ideal place for “a raw fusion of africanity and latinity”.