Barceló studied art at Barcelona and began exhibiting his art in the mid-1970. His first major introduction to the international art scene was at Documenta 7 in 1982. He has had major solo exhibitions at the world’s top galleries and museums and will represent Spain during the 2009 Venice art biennale. His work spans a wide variety of mediums and styles, but he is best known for his paintings, sculpture and ceramics. Prior to the UN commission, Barceló’s largest work was a six-year project in the cathedral of Palma de Majorca. For the project, the artist covered the 14th century cathedral in cracked mud, dead fish and human skulls. Barceló’s innovative artistic approach has made him one of Spain’s most important contemporary artists and a leading figure on the international stage. Miguel Barceló lives and works in Majorca, Paris and Mali.