Berta Jayo: Humanizing Architecture Through Art
by Viviana Puello.
Berta Jayo’s work is a captivating exploration of the relationship between nature and architecture, seamlessly blending these seemingly opposing forces. As ArtTour International’s Top Featured Artist, Jayo redefines the possibilities of urban spaces, transforming rigid, lifeless structures into dynamic, emotionally evocative canvases. Her installations—featuring cascading hair and vibrant pink bows on towering buildings—challenge perceptions of architecture, highlighting the beauty that emerges when opposites harmonize.
Through her art, Jayo skillfully symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of nature and architecture, celebrating the vitality that flourishes in urban environments. Her installations create a compelling contrast between the organic and the human-made, offering a vision that humanizes architecture. They are a powerful reminder of how art can transform spaces into places of life, creativity, and connection.
A Vision Rooted in Innovation
Berta Jayo’s artistic journey is characterized by her innovative and nonconformist spirit. Born in Santander, Spain, and trained in Fine Arts, Jayo’s multidisciplinary background fuels her bold ideas. Her installations, such as “Hair on Building” and “Hair and Ties on Building,” elevate urban landscapes by combining the softness of natural elements with the rigidity of architectural forms. These pieces act as visual metaphors, illustrating the coexistence of life and structure while encouraging viewers to rethink the spaces they inhabit.
Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
At the core of Jayo’s work is her ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The flowing, organic hair elements soften buildings’ hard, linear edges, while the bright pink bows add whimsy and humanity. Together, these elements transform cold, impersonal architecture into expressions of life and vitality.
These installations do more than beautify—they provoke thought. They symbolize the beauty that arises when contrasting elements, such as nature and urbanization, are combined. Through this juxtaposition, Jayo invites dialogue about the balance between control and freedom, the natural and the artificial.
“Hair and Ties on Building” Installation, 2024 by Berta Jayo.
Symbolism and Intent
Jayo’s use of hair and bows carries profound symbolism. The cascading hair represents life and nature, spilling over buildings to challenge their static nature, while the bows add a touch of personality and joy. These artistic choices invite us to consider the role of art in connecting us to our surroundings, reminding us that even the most industrial landscapes can become places of emotion and imagination.
As Jayo explains, her installations express the idea that life and vitality can thrive in urban settings, highlighting the beauty of blending the natural with the human-made. This interplay reflects her overarching goal: to humanize architecture and reimagine how we interact with our built environment.
Collaboration and Creativity
The collaborative nature of Jayo’s process adds another layer to her art. She partnered with hairdresser José Anievas in her latest installations to bring her vision to life. This collaboration underscores the importance of combining expertise from diverse fields to create works that transcend individual disciplines. Anievas’s skill in crafting the massive hair elements adds authenticity and depth to the installations, showcasing how teamwork can elevate art to new heights.
Global Recognition and Impact
Berta Jayo’s innovative work has gained worldwide recognition. Exhibited in leading institutions like MoMA in New York, Tate Modern in London, and Reina Sofía in Madrid, her installations resonate across cultures and disciplines. She has participated in renowned art fairs such as Art Basel, Frieze, and ARCO, solidifying her reputation as a visionary artist.
Jayo’s ability to connect multiple disciplines and collaborate with experts like Anievas highlights her innovative approach, creating art that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
A Bold New Perspective
Berta Jayo’s art challenges us to see the world differently. By merging nature and architecture, she creates spaces where life and structure coexist harmoniously. Her work humanizes urban environments, transforming them into vibrant, living spaces that evoke joy, wonder, and connection.
Through her visionary approach, Jayo reimagines the potential of art to reshape our surroundings, inviting us to celebrate beauty in unexpected places. Her installations are not just art—they are experiences that redefine how we see and engage with the world around us.
Viviana Puello
Editor-in-Chief