Ian Muir Launches QUARTZ Art International in the Algarve
When British fine artist Ian Muir arrived in the Algarve in 2019 with his wife and daughter, he knew he’d found something special. Sunlight poured over the whitewashed towns, and a vibrant international community bubbled beneath the surface. But one thing was missing: a space for truly exceptional, international-level art.
Now, Ian is preparing to change that with QUARTZ Art International, an ambitious new venture set to bring rare, eclectic and world-class artworks to the Algarve’s cultural stage. “A lot of people have moved here from places like the UK, America and across Europe,” Ian explains. “They’re looking for art that’s different – something unique, beyond the purely commercial marketplace and galleries. That’s what I’m aiming to bring with QUARTZ.”
A lifetime in art
Ian’s journey began in Oldbury, UK, where he first picked up a paintbrush under the watchful eye of his mother, herself a passionate painter. Encouraged by his family, he exhibited from a young age, winning several competitions and cultivating a deep love for art.
Early influences included the luminous techniques of the Dutch Masters, followed by the dreamlike realms of Surrealism. After art college, Ian worked professionally in the art industry, creating film storyboards, visuals and paintings during what he fondly calls “the good times before everything went digital”.
Eventually, he launched his own company, collaborating with international clients and even running a family gallery in Moseley, UK, specialising in selling unique artworks to collectors, honing an eye for quality and originality that continues to guide him today.
Bringing global art to the Algarve
QUARTZ Art International is set to host two exhibitions a year, showcasing a mix of Ian’s own oil paintings, crafted using traditional glazing techniques, alongside works sourced from international art fairs. Visitors can expect a diverse range: from outsider art and metaphysical pieces to subculture art that pushes boundaries. “The Algarve doesn’t really have a space for international-level art as yet,” Ian says. “There’s a big opportunity to create something here that people will find spiritually and creatively enriching.”
For Ian, QUARTZ is more than a business. It’s a passion project, driven by a belief that art can transform spaces and connect communities. The name itself is a clever play on words, containing “ART” and evoking the purity and clarity of quartz crystal.
Beyond exhibitions, Ian hopes to offer workshops teaching the intricate oil techniques he loves – a revival of traditional craftsmanship in an increasingly digital world.
Lights, camera, action!
The first QUARTZ exhibition, slated for 2026, promises something truly unique. Titled Lights, Camera, Action, it’s a tribute to the art of film storyboarding – an often-overlooked craft that Ian knows intimately. “Some of the artwork from classic film storyboards is astonishing,” Ian enthuses. “The skill, the freshness of the line work – it’s like capturing a single moment of magic.”
The exhibition will feature original art and limited-edition prints tied to some of cinema’s most iconic films. It’s a nostalgic nod to Ian’s past in the film industry and a thrilling preview of the innovative programming QUARTZ will bring to the region.
Announcements will appear later this year on Instagram, where Ian is launching the official QUARTZ Art International account. In the spirit of community, he’s also calling on owners of unused spaces in the Algarve to consider hosting exhibitions, offering a chance to infuse empty buildings with creativity and purpose.
Art in empty spaces
Ian is also quietly reaching out to owners and curators of architecturally significant spaces across the Algarve – from historic estates to refined contemporary venues – to explore potential collaborations. “I’d love to connect with people who feel there’s more to life than empty spaces. Art has the power to transform not just walls but people.”
The aim is to present fine art within fine spaces, where the environment enhances the work and the work elevates the setting. “Some venues have a beauty and presence that deserves more than being left unused,” Ian says. “It’s not about me, it’s about the vision for QUARTZ – creating moments where exceptional art meets exceptional atmosphere. And who knows – many of these custodians may be art lovers themselves.”
From Oldbury to the Algarve, Ian Muir’s artistic journey has been one of vision, skill and passion. With QUARTZ Art International, he’s ready to shine a new light on the region’s cultural landscape – and he’s inviting us all to step into the frame.
Follow Ian’s journey and news of upcoming exhibitions on Instagram QUARTZ Art International
