Lladró x Dulk: A Fusion of Art & Conservation

Growing up, on weekends, Antonio Segura Donat would visit his father’s aviary, a sanctuary where over 200 birds, including canaries, goldfinches, and greenfinches, lived in peaceful coexistence. Donat, widely known by his pseudonym, Dulk, was deeply influenced by his father's passion for nature, which played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic journey. This immersive experience allowed him to step away from the outside world and enter an environment where the birds became his companions, sparking a lifelong fascination with the natural world. It was there, amid the vibrant flutter of wings, that he began drawing the birds, later experimenting with hybridising them with other distinct animals in his art.

Ephemeral Treasures, Acrylic on Canvas, Dulk, 2020

 

Dulk grew older, his understanding of the environmental and animal plight grew, and he became passionate about protecting these creatures. This concern for the world around him gave birth to a dream: a fantasy world where animals live their best lives in lush, colourful environments, free from harm. Vibrant colours became a signature in his work, as they represent life itself, full of energy and possibilities. His travels deepened his connection to nature, inspiring him with images of elephants wandering in the midst of towering trees, monkeys swinging through sun-dappled canopies, and peacocks moving gracefully through the dense underbrush, all living in perfect harmony with the earth around them. These experiences, combined with his love for animals, allowed him to create a universe in his art that is as rich and diverse as the ecosystems he adores. 

This passion for nature culminated in his collaboration with Lladró, resulting in the creation of Ephemeral Treasures Sculpture Limited Edition, a sculpture that captures the essence of a thriving, colourful world. In this piece, Dulk focuses on the majestic creatures from the dense jungles of Southeast Asia, such as elephants, peacocks, and monkeys, showcasing their beauty and grace. The inclusion of a hourglass in the sculpture is a poignant motif, representing the fragility of time and the fleeting nature of the world’s treasures. The hourglass serves as a reminder to cherish and protect the wildlife that inspires Dulk’s work, highlighting the urgency to preserve the delicate balance of these ecosystems before they vanish forever. Through Ephemeral Treasures, Dulk invites us into his dreamlike, vibrant world, where the natural beauty of animals is celebrated and revered. 

 

 

The Soul Rider Sculpture Limited Edition represents a powerful and unique moment in Dulk's artistic evolution, as it marks the first time his iconic character, the protector of nature and guide for lost souls, is brought to life as an independent porcelain sculpture. Drawing inspiration from Dulk's longstanding theme of nature's fragility and humanity’s impact on the environment, Soul Rider stands as an emblem of hope and redemption. The character, who has appeared in Dulk's murals as a symbolic guardian, now assumes a tangible presence, standing on a flower-skull, an emblem of the dangers facing nature. His heart-shaped face and banner signify love as a healing force, offering an antidote to fear and destruction. The intricate details, from the engraved flower to the ornate beak, reflect the fragile relationship between man and nature, with Soul Rider acting as a bridge that encourages a harmonious coexistence. This porcelain creation invites viewers to reflect on the urgent need for change and to consider the possibility of a better world where human impact is gentler, if not completely absent.

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