Born into a Southern-German aristocratic family, Albrecht von Stetten grew up in a converted monastery surrounded by Medieval and Renaissance art. He had to put his artist’s dreams on hold to run the family’s farms, which he quietly turned into one of Europe’s largest agricultural conglomerates.
After selling off much of the business in 2013, his life was a clean canvas again. He returned to his boyhood passion by buying art, which shifted gear when he met Kiki Kim and decided to work with her in order to build and curate a world-leading art collection.
A watershed conversation with current IBEX Master Gabriel Picart one night in Spain opened his eyes to the grim reality of the art world, which almost guarantees that true masterpieces never see the light of day, an enormous disappointment for the artist and a regrettable loss to humankind. On the spot, Albrecht promised to fund Gabriel for as long as it would take to bring out his Masterpiece.
Many experiences would follow after this conversation, eventually leading to the current IBEX Masters model that liberates and promotes the most amazing super-realistic artists alive today.
Arantzazu Martinez’s painting “Freedom Reborn” explores her connection to the spiritual feminine. After a year of painting only roses to get familiar with their texture, transparency, colors and shades, this brilliant work celebrates beauty beyond and free from the male gaze; it celebrates love and freedom and embraces the beauty of life in all forms. In a world full of complexity about acceptance and gender, ‘Freedom Reborn’ blows a fresh wind through the idea that we are all free to exist and pursue happiness in the way we choose. There is a universal comfort that seems to embody the word “freedom.”
Oil on canvas, 230 x 300 cm, 2018
Morning Dew’ invites a cascade of questions. Is it post-celebration relaxation, a newlywed’s reprieve, or the aftermath of tragedy? Philipp Weber, a master of narrative ambiguity, intertwines life, death, despair, and hope in his hyperrealistic style. Yet, he offers no easy answers, allowing viewers to venture into their own interpretations, unlocking a multitude of stories within a single painting. Which narrative will you unravel?
This masterpiece called “Liber Fulguralis” is a polyptych consisting of 5 pieces in which the thematic content of the painting plays out in time and space. It describes the development of different stories, where the concepts of Hubris and Nemesis embody the cyclical evolution of man. The right side of the altarpiece shows the dizzying scientific developments that currently occupy mankind, while the left side warns of the danger of hubris. The work wants to remind us that only balance can help us understand our evolutionary dimension and avoid emptiness.
Oil on panel, 241 x 247 cm, 2020
Marco Grassi converges his concerns about the world’s current state with his transformative artistic theme, depicting the fluidity of human existence and our potential for evolution. In his IBEX Masterpiece, three dancers represent Humanity, Earth, and Nature, their expressions reflecting vulnerability amidst technological change. Butterflies, symbols of transformation, highlight the profound shifts occurring in our world. Grassi’s art fosters introspection and reconnects us with the deep, palpable experience of art.
“One Side Wing” by Nobuyuki Shimamura is an impressive painting that depicts the uncertainty of life and the vulnerability of our existence. The image of a single wing symbolizes the imperfection and uncertainty of our lives, but the presence of a feather near the model symbolizes hope and the ability to survive in uncertain times. The skulls in the background remind us of the value of life and the need to maintain hope, even in the most hardship-filled circumstances. Shimamura creates an emotionally and visually striking work that invites us to consider our own experiences and uncertainties.
Oil on canvas, 182 x 227 cm, 2020
Inspired by Greek mythology and the concept of the universe’s birth, Emanuele Dascanio employs the Golden Ratio’s spiral in this Masterpiece, deeply rooted in Italian artistic traditions. Dascanio’s protagonist, primal and harmonious, dances within this ethereal vortex, leading viewers towards life, light, and the ‘One’ Creator. His art mesmerizingly captures the grandeur of spiritual force that envelops and conquers everything.
In Martin Llamedo’s artwork, two flawless yet dehumanized women live soulless lives, bathed in sterile light. One accepts, the other rejects, foreshadowing alienating trends in modern society. ‘The Banquet’ offers a sobering glimpse of our potential future. Llamedo’s meticulous attention to detail reflects his versatility in various art forms, backed by a Master’s degree from the National University of Art in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In ‘The Portrait of Desire,’ Sergio crafts a whimsical and engaging scene of hedonistic pleasures. The meticulous rendering of physical detail and the soft, gentle atmosphere convey confidence, self-acceptance, and tolerance. While most subjects appear self-focused, one wonders, what might the cat think?
Christiane’s triptych, Faith, Hope, and Love, reflects a world in turmoil with a cautious invitation to believe. Each panel portrays a woman deeply connected to life, symbolizing different aspects of these virtues. Faith is represented in blue with hydrangea, signifying deep emotions and fickleness. Hope wears black, emphasizing inner wisdom and freedom. Love, adorned in crimson, radiates ecstasy and eternal love amidst life’s complexities.
Gabriel Picart’s artwork is an explosion of gilded loveliness intertwined with historical fantasy. His expert use of light and textures, coupled with a brilliant color palette, creates a mesmerizing scene that draws viewers into its mystical atmosphere. Amidst the symbolism of objects and a golden glow, Picart’s work offers both aesthetic beauty and contemporary commentary, notably on Catalonia’s political status.
“Samsara” is Hae-Kwang’s magnum opus, a portrayal of his muse spanning a decade, caught in a cycle of death and rebirth. This inverted version of his original concept symbolizes the evolving role of women in Korean society, balancing tradition with a promising future. The rotating image represents the spirit of countless women, awakening to a world of endless possibilities and newfound freedom, transcending historical cycles and cultural boundaries.
“Last Photo & Last Love” marks a turning point in Timofeev’s life, reflecting his innermost emotions and thoughts. In this allegorical work, he bids farewell to irretrievable moments, acknowledging life’s limitations and the gradual fading of emotions over time. The painting invites viewers into a dialogue with Timofeev’s subconscious, exploring the narrative of a soul’s decline and the passage of time.
The triptych “Origin of Life” explores human evolution and diversity through three panels. The first depicts the birth of Aphrodite, sparking a conversation about migration and diversity. The central panel features the Pillars of Hercules and symbolizes the ambition to discover new worlds and our universal origins. The final panel shows a woman of African descent crossing the Mediterranean, representing human expansion and the beauty of evolution.
“The Three Graces” represents a departure in Park Hyung-Jin’s body of work. This piece features multiple female characters against a warm, dark backdrop, creating a bronzy and diverse range of moods. Unlike his previous almost ‘still-life portraits,’ this artwork captures a fleeting moment with underlying strength and sensuality. It reimagines Greek graces as Korean Goddesses while retaining Hyung-Jin’s distinctive style.
