The great thing about art is that you can always discover new artists or rediscover others, and it is through art students that more art can be created. Art is like the universe, it is constantly expanding.
Recently, during a visit to one of my favourite art galleries, where all kinds of artists with different techniques and ways of seeing art exhibit their work, I came across a very large exhibition. So large, in fact, that one room was not enough for all the works and they had to occupy the corridors of the venue.
It was not an exhibition like so many others I have attended, but rather the 11th Plastic Arts Competition 2025, so the number of works was enormous and varied, and each artist was represented by one work.
Here I bring you the first part of this huge and beautiful exhibition where I was able to enjoy some very good art. If you like, you can leave me a comment telling me which is your favourite from this first section.
‘Niemeyer’ Bernabé Fernández Llama – Oil on canvas
A work that at first glance looks like a photograph, but when I got closer I could see the brushstrokes. The artist plays very well with light and shadow, creating a sunset with this elderly couple. A realistic scene typical of the city.
‘Vehicles for the Resistance’ Pablo Fernández – Pujol – Acrylic on canvas.
What I liked most about this work was its meaning: books, learning and improving every day are what allow us to move forward, resist and know the truth. Its pastel colours convey a great sense of serenity.
‘La alameda de Málaga’ Andrés Alcalá – Oil on canvas.
I love the colour and joy that emanates from this work, the colour and joy that the city and its people have, which can always be seen in the streets. It also shows a typical scene of the flower stalls that are always present on Alameda Street. An excellent representation.
‘CABSTRACT+3-2’ Sergio Rodríguez – Oil on canvas.
I don't know what you see in this painting, but I see flowers and I love that, especially because of the colours. The colour orange represents energy and communication, and this work has a huge visual impact. As an abstract painting, I really liked it.
‘El tiempo seri XI’ Mingyi Chou – Silkscreen print on paper.
As I mentioned, I was able to see all kinds of works and styles in this exhibition, and this is an example of that. I had to struggle a bit with the reflection to take the photograph, as the painting had glass. For those who love paintings with geometric figures, this would be a good painting, as it contrasts very well with its surroundings.
‘Maternidad’ Lydia Rodríguez Cañellas – Acrylic, mixed media.
This painting, due to its technique, textures and size, is one of the ones that caught my attention the most. The bond between mother and child, the exchange. There is a contrast of colours and many shapes. I liked getting close to take photographs of some parts of it and check the textures on the canvas.
‘Many mouths to feed...’ Margarita Jiménez Manzano – Graphite pencil on acrylic on Magnani paper.
This is another work that I liked very much, especially because of the quality of the drawing and the fact that it is done in pencil, which gives it significant value, since human figures, especially faces, are very difficult to draw. The technique is very interesting and very well executed, as is the meaning it conveys when there are many children in a family and the parents' concern to give them all the best.
‘The Philosopher’ Paul Hernan - Oil on canvas.
In this case, what was interesting was the quality of the painting in its details, such as those of the shirt, but without failing to admire the face and hand. Gestures are very important in generating a certain motivation in the viewer, and this painting has been able to capture those gestures.
‘Por el campo anduve’ (I walked through the countryside) Santiago Parres Martínez - Refractory white clay, red clay and oxides.
Working with clay is not easy either. I have done it at some point, many years ago. It is interesting to mould a figure with your hands. It is an element with a good texture to work with and achieve beautiful works. It takes time and practice, but it is very good. A different work that shows the countryside style.
‘Málaga, El chinitas’ Marta Yueli España – Etching, sugar lift and drypoint.
Her technique was one of the most striking for me. Some elements are unfamiliar to me, but the result is excellent. It reminds me of Chinese ink or watercolours. It is a representation of one of the narrow streets of the city from where you can see the cathedral. A very beautiful work.
‘Night Hunger’ José Baena Roca – Acrylic on board.
A realistic painting depicting a scene from real life that could happen to any of us: feeling hungry at night. Another work that looked like a photograph from a distance, but wasn't. It was very well done in acrylic, and the details inside the refrigerator are surprising. I always enjoy seeing realistic works; it takes a lot of practice to achieve this result.
A work more beautiful than the work itself, each in its own style, of course. I loved visiting this exhibition. Soon I will bring you more from this gigantic show.
Thank you very much for joining me today, I wish you a very good Sunday. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
