The Origin of the World

Gonzalo Borondo moved to Madrid in 2003, where he deepened his connection with graffiti after visiting Jose Garcia Herranz's studio. There, he explored various techniques and studied classic painters. At 18, he participated in an art festival in Istanbul and has since held solo exhibitions in Rome, Madrid, Paris, and London, with his work appearing in public spaces across Europe. This piece, inspired by the maternity hospital nearby, is Borondo’s interpretation of Gustave Courbet's famous painting. He uses an open arch and a tree as metaphors for origin—a river symbolizing life's source flows through the arch, and a boat reflects life's journey. Borondo likens this scene to childbirth, where life begins through the mother's womb. The abstract artwork reveals its meaning when viewed from a distance, much like life itself.