JAVIER CALLEJA / CURIOUSLY
Almine Rech, París 2026
Curiously marks Javier Calleja’s sixth solo exhibition with Almine Rech and brings together a selection of 25 works on canvas and paper that further expand the visual universe that has established the Málaga-born artist as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary art.
Rather than pursuing radical breaks or reinvention, Calleja’s practice is rooted in the continuous evolution of a highly personal language. His iconic characters—drawing equally from the world of comics and contemporary painting traditions—appear here subtly transformed: more human, more complex, and more direct in their engagement with the viewer.
The exhibition explores some of the central elements of his work: seemingly simple compositions, an intimate relationship with the audience, and the use of text as a narrative device. Statements, questions, and playful messages accompany the figures, creating open-ended interpretations that move between innocence, irony, and reflection.
Through these new works, Calleja continues to examine themes of identity, curiosity, and our relationship with the world around us. The result is an exhibition that reaffirms the strength of a unique artistic language in constant evolution, capable of connecting with audiences across cultures and generations.
I’m an
evolutionary
artist