We interviewed Brianda Fitz-James Stuart, the author of the illustrations in the book “The Superpowers of Art. A Messy History”, just published by Mosquito Books in collaboration with Plom Gallery.
Brianda Fitz-James Stuart was born in Madrid.
She is an illustrator, painter, print designer and DJ.
She has collaborated with a multitude of brands, in projects as diverse as designing a watch for Swatch, illustrating books, painting ceramics, creating prints, wallpapers, carpets… No medium can resist her!
Brianda and the Masterpieces
PLOM: How did the book project “The Superpowers of Art” come about ? BRIANDA: A couple of years ago, Mía Cassany, from Mosquito Books, proposed me to do a book about art.
The book has been mutating until it became the jewel that has just come out.
It has certainly been worth the wait!
The new additions to this project have been key. 
Brianda poses in front of one of her wallpaper designs for the Coordonné brand. Coordonné.
PLOM: How did you face the challenge of making illustrated recreations of masterpieces of painting?
What was your approach?
Respecting them, interpreting them, adding your own elements, combining styles? BRIANDA: At first, I was a little worried.
They are such wonderful works that it almost seemed sacrilegious to perform them.
Later, as soon as I started to do my version of each of them, I realized that it was like a game.
Anything goes!
I used different types of techniques: watercolors, markers, acrylics, computer techniques… I added my own elements, deconstructed and rebuilt each work.
It was a lot of fun.
I remember telling Mia that I could dedicate my whole life to making versions of masterpieces. PLOM: Is the selection of artists and works personal?
Are they your favorites? BRIANDA: Yes, that was one of the wonderful things about Mosquito Books. They gave me the freedom to choose the artists and their works.
Based on my choice, we went around and varied works and artists, but always respecting my proposals.
It was a pleasure to work with them. 
Illustration for the book “The Superpowers of Art”. From some very recognizable elements of “Las Meninas”, by Velázquez, Brianda has created this print / pattern design .
Illustrations that are Art Prints
PLOM: Some illustrations seem to be designed as if they were patterns for fabrics or printed paper… Is that so? BRIANDA: Since I come from the world of design and printing, it’s something I can’t avoid and somehow it has become my hallmark.
I suffer from horror vacui. PLOM: What do you like the most?
Painting, drawing, designing clothes, graphic design, DJing? BRIANDA: Although I love music and design, what I really enjoy the most is painting. PLOM: By the way, what music could serve as the soundtrack for “The Superpowers of Art”? BRIANDA: It would have to be epic and fun music, worthy of the Art Superheroes battling the villains Lord Omega and Madame Nada.
I can think of all kinds of musicians: Mozart, King Crimson, Bee Gees, Grace Jones, The Turtles, Michael Jackson, Marving Gaye, Dolly Parton, Love, Devendra Banhart, The Pointer Sisters, Elia and Elizabeth, Metronomy, Tame Impala… 
Illustration by Brianda for the book “The Superpowers of Art”, inspired by “The Birth of Venus”, by Sandro Botticelli.
More Art Superpowers, please.
PLOM: What Art Superpower do you have? BRIANDA: To turn everything I touch into a print… PLOM: What do you think of the texts that accompany your illustrations? BRIANDA: They have been key to make it a rounded book.
I couldn’t be happier with Pedro Calleja‘s work .PLOM: Which of the artists featured in the book would you give a copy of the book as a gift? BRIANDA: Do I have to choose?
I don’t think I would be able to!
I admire so much all the artists that appear in the book…. PLOM: Have any artists been left out of the book?
Can there be a second part? BRIANDA: There have been several artists left out that I hope can show their superpowers in a second part, third, fourth….
It would be my dream to make a collection! 
“The Superpowers of Art. A Messy History” Illustrated by Brianda Fitz-James Stuart Written by Pedro Calleja Edited by Mosquito Books in collaboration with Plom Gallery Hardcover.
25×27 cms.
68 pp. 16€.
© 2018
