The simple pleasure of blowing bubbles with bright candy-colored gum is such a core childhood memory for many of us. When I so much as mention bubblegum, a few of you might notice your mouth beginning to water, some of you may recall a memory of the time you blew the biggest bubble ever, and some will instantly remember the sweet, fruity scent of a fresh pack of Hubba Bubba.

There's no denying that bubble gum is iconic and synonymous with lighthearted fun, enjoyment, and ease. That's why artists employ its likeness in their art to convey a vibrant, playful attitude. 

Spanish figurative painter Alexander Grahovsky has taken this recognizable motif and amplified its presence with every canvas he paints. Grahovsky follows in a long line of modern artists, experimenting with the post-modernist genre, pop art. Each canvas features prominent subjects painted in saturated colors. He works primarily with oil paint, a slow-drying medium once favored by famous Renaissance artists, and crafts each piece over a span of several days. The process is slow going and meditative and results in paintings that seem to glow from within.

Grahovsky's collection of portraits ooze an effortlessly cool air, offering glimpses into the nonchalant figures which appear suspended in time. For this artist, gum chewing takes on a debonair flair. Every portrait bursts with a sense of tension, offset by idle, amused solidarity and the artist’s glossy, realist style with a dose of abstract expressionism. 

We love getting to know the artists we partner with at Fine Art Canvas. Learning about the people whose art we share is a way for us to connect more deeply with their art. It offers insights into their process and the meaning of their works. For our customers, knowing the person behind the canvas that you have displayed in your home makes the piece that much more personal, helping cement that piece in your daily life. Knowing the artist creates an emotional experience you can share with the ones you love. 

This week we had a chance to sit down with Alexander Grahovsky and ask him a bit about his work. See what the artist had to say about his favorite colors and inspirations below.

What's your favorite color combo?

Pink and light blue (love the contrast)

What would you say inspires you?

Weird movies. Comic books and art books. The everyday nonsense. Coffee and bubble gum. 

Your art is very evocative. Who are some of your major influences? 

Magritte, Hockney, Hopper, and Viviane Sassen.

Can you tell us what your favorite place in the whole world is?

The coast and the desert.

Shop Alexander Grahovsky collection of bubble gum pop art prints and get your own canvas print reproduction at Fine Art Canvas.