Andoni Beristain, a photographer and art director from Beristain Studios in London, has created a space that seamlessly merges the two worlds.
Andoni was born in a small town in Northern Spain in 1989. His artistic journey began very early. He was drawn to shapes and colours and observed his surroundings. He spent 14 years in Barcelona honing his skills before returning to Basque country.
Andoni, who is now based in San Sebastian, has an impressive portfolio that includes personal projects that explore profound human experiences as well as commercial work for global brands. He has worked with a list of luxury brands, including Kenzo, Louis Vuitton and Veuve Clicquot. His clients also include Netflix, Adobe, Braun, Adobe, Adobe, Adobe, Adobe and Adobe. His work has appeared in international exhibitions, from Barcelona to Milan, and on billboards at Times Square.
Andoni’s signature is his unique approach. He tackles weighty and often painful topics, such as cancer, obesity, and grief, through a lens of vivid colour, meticulous composition, and subtle humour. This tension between form and content is what makes Andoni’s work so instantly recognizable. His most recent series on Christmas continues in this tradition. It offers a personal and critically reflective reflection on the contradictions that modern holiday celebrations present.
We spoke with him about his journey to global recognition, his trauma and how it has shaped his artistic vision. He also explained why he believes that even the darkest topics can be brought to light.
The journey back to roots
Andoni Beristain, who established himself in Barcelona for 14 years, returned to San Sebastian, his Basque homeland. A significant life event prompted this move.
Andoni says, “The environment in which I grew up, the architecture, mountains, coast…they are all very important to my life.” “The vivid colours that I was surrounded by during my childhood has greatly influenced me.“ Growing up in a town where nothing ever happened, my imagination was unconsciously stimulated.
Drawing, painting, and music were outlets for his imagination before he began his design studies. Barcelona offered him growth and opportunities, but a health crisis brought him home. He reveals that “in 2019, I was diagnosed with cancer and everything changed.” “I needed a new start, I wanted to breathe in some fresh air and reconnect with my roots.”
His homeland, though initially difficult–“it is a small city with a lack of creative industries”–has enriched his work. The calmness of the city has improved his creative process, he says. The environment and Basque Culture are incredibly inspirational.
The “Pieza Series”: Transforming Pain into Beauty
Andon’s best-known personal projects are grouped into a trio of introspective pieces. Pieza Rota addresses stigma and disease, while Pieza Madre (Mother Piece) is a tribute to love and loss.
His treatment of these heavy themes is anything but sombre. Bold colours and meticulous compositions characterize it. He says, “These are themes I’ve experienced personally, and I felt compelled to express them in my way.” “I have always been a cheerful person. “I try to remain positive, even when things are hard.”
The tension between a serious subject and a vibrant aesthetic defines his work. He observes that “colour has always been constant in all my work”. “Bringing light and colour into the darkness, I guess.”
Pieza Madre is of particular significance to the artist. He explains that the series consists of 63 outdoor still-life photographs taken in Basque Country and dedicated to his mother, who died three years ago. The photos reflect our relationship and how life can turn everything upside down from day to day.
Commerce without Compromise
Andoni’s distinct visual language has drawn impressive clients without the need for artistic compromise. He says that he adapts his style to suit the needs of brands. My style is just how I work. These projects are not as deep in meaning as my work, but aesthetics is always present.
Certain commercial projects stand out to him. He recalls, “I enjoyed the Veuve Clicquot project.“ It was a real challenge to come up with something so commercial, but I believe we succeeded. A project for Inurri was also important. It is a Basque cancer association. “It was beautiful and tough to meet 25 women who went through something similar to my experience.
His most recent project, a series of photographs about Christmas, continues his tradition of exploring culture through a critical lens. He describes the scene as “a large dining table with people who are eating beyond their means… your conspiracy-theory Uncle, drunk people, and the EUR10 Secret Santas, which will only give you a useless souvenir.”
This series provokes reflection about the contradictions of Christmas: “Will anybody remember a hippie saint who died for our crimes? “Andoni asks. “Is it more important to survive or to get together these days?“ What kind of mess do we have here?
Distinctive elements
Andoni is also known for his wit and humour, which he uses to tackle even the most difficult of subjects. He says, “I have always believed that humor cures all, even if it’s not true. It helps.” “Laughter is something that has helped me immensely throughout my life. Incorporating it into my work was key.”
The therapeutic approach is evident in both the process and the results. “The pictures are my personal journal, and I have no intention of doing anything else,“ he says. The response was profound. “Many people feel connected to my work, and I like stirring awareness. But I simply do it as a therapy.”
Andoni is also an expert in still-life photography. He has evolved from studios to large outdoor installations. He explains that large-scale outdoor still lifes are a natural progression from studio still lives. They are more difficult and require more work, but they are also more special. “They’ve helped me develop a style and identity I feel comfortable with.”
New horizons
Andoni’s plans include exploring bullying through photography and returning to his earlier practices. “I also would like to explore paintings again and return back to design,“ says Andoni. “I am a professional designer, but I have rarely shown that.”
Ses advice to emerging artists is simple. “Let each person do what they like, what is in their hearts, and what makes them happy. Explore, don’t just follow the trends. Please share it with your family and friends or via social media. “Feedback can lead to wonderful results.”
Andoni is a unique artist in a world often dominated either by chaos or stark minimalism. He has created a middle ground where vibrant aesthetics meet substantive topics, where personal suffering becomes universal beauty and where commercial appeal exists alongside artistic integrity.
He maintains a humble attitude despite his immense success: “I do not measure impact but I get messages from people that feel moved or identified by a simple photograph. It’s beautiful.“ What is the message he wants viewers to take away from his video? “Positivity and reflection.”