Madrid: After a drop in transactions caused by the economic crisis, felt particularly harder on art since 2009, the sector has seen a solid recovery in the past few months. Figures are going back to what they used to be before the recession and the volume of business deals is growing as a sign of the recovery of art collectors’ and investors’ confidence in art.
Painting continues to be one of the most popular art expressions among amateur buyers, art collectors and investors. In fact, to many, painting is a versatile means allowing infinite numbers of combinations of materials, topics and styles. When compared to other kind of investments, those made on art and antiques are the ones enjoying greater confidence. In this context, Madrid becomes once again the center of antique art, decorative art and painting with the celebration of the 21st Fair of Antiques, Art Galleries and Collecting, ALMONEDA, organized by IFEMA and running from April 9-17 in the pavilion 3 of Madrid Fair.
Once again, painting becomes the center of stage in ALMONEDA with a wide offer of pieces from very different epochs, and of different styles and prices; from classic paintings from the 15th to the 19th centuries to creations from the 20th century avant-garde and renowned contemporary artists.
This way, ALMONEDA proposes an interesting review of the History of painting. The variety of epochs translates into a huge mixture of concepts, techniques and representations, allowing the creation of interesting contrasts highly valued by collectors and stand out from current decorative trends.
In addition to enjoying exhibitions of engravings, tiles and reliefs from ancient cultures, visitors will be able to get pleasure and choose from a great variety of oil and watercolor paintings from the most representative periods and styles in the History of this art.
COLLADO E HIJO, specialized in paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries and also the first third of the 20th century will showcase in ALMONEDA a wide collection of Spanish paintings from renowned artists like Zacarias Gonzalez Velazquez, Santiago Rusiñol, Modesto Urgell, Ramon Marti Alsina, Joaquin Vayreda, Emilio Sanchez Perrier, Jose Pinelo, Julia Alcayde and Joaquin Vaamonde, among others. Thus offering an interesting review of the national paining from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with a larger collection than the one exhibited on the previous event. Likewise, excelling from the 1700s is an allegorical painting titled “Aparición de la Virgen de Nieva” (Apparition of the Virgin of Nieva) by Zacarias Gonzalez Velazquez featuring its original frame. From the 19th century, the collection includes “Barca solitaria” (Lonely boat) by Modest Urgell Inglada; “El inicio de la primavera” (The beginning of spring) by Joaquin Vayreda Vila; and “Uvas” (Grapes) by Julia Alcayde Montoya, just to mention a few.
From the same period but further in the horizon OLD ICONS brings to ALMONEDA a golden plate and painting on wood by Saint Nicholas Taumaturgos, from Russia. From the same country is a work of art from the Affon Tsekanak School in Levkas titled “The Vatopedi Virgin” or “Patron of Saints and four virgins” a painting in wood by Ustiug – Palehh.
Modern and contemporary painting
The proposal of modern painting in ALMONEDA embraces several Spanish artists from the 20th century. Many galleries and antique dealers bet on this period and on the value of pieces of different techniques and concepts.
ROLLE SANCHEZ ANTIQUES shows “Paisaje” (Landscape), a watercolor painting by Cirilo Martinez Novillo from Madrid. Meanwhile, CANDELABRO bets on the mixed technique on board and canvas by Alfonso Bonifacio, while VICTOR GONZALEZ RIAL ANTIQUES brings out a naïve recreation of the original “Portrait of Giovanna Tornaboni.”
COLLADO E HIJO also has pieces falling in the category of modern painting including “Dama en el jardín” (Lady in the garden) by Victor Moya Calvo; and “Monteria” (Hunting) an oil on canvas from 1955 by Francisco Ribera Gomez.
GALERIA DEL CISNE, created in 1960, returns to ALMONEDA with an offer based on Spanish paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries –historical avant-garde combined with well-established modern and contemporary artists–. This gallery, one of the oldest in Madrid, focuses on the promotion of historical avant-garde art, specially from the groups El Paso and Dau al Set, as well as modern and contemporary sculptures and paintings in general. On its space in ALMONEDA visitors will see, among other pieces, Joan Miro’s “Composicion” (Composition) from 1973 provided by Galerie Bel’Art from Stockholm; “Florero” (Flower case), an oil on canvas by Celso Lagar made in 1969; and Carlos Nadal’s “Figura en interior” (Figure on interior) signed in 1975 and certified by the Nadal Committee.
Contemporary paintings in ALMONEDA provide an interesting contrast as compared with the most ancient works. The variety of techniques, origins and details of this kind of work of art entice visitors into contemplating the creations by artists coming from different countries and contexts.
VALENTIN KOVATCHEV – ART STUDIO EDITIONS presents an interesting exhibition of his own work including “Matador” and “The Sibyl and the horse” both inspired on Greek mythology; and “The Lady of the Dawn” an image of the world premiere of Alejandro Casona’s play; among other pieces. The creations of this Bulgarian painter excel for their original etching technique.
The biggest contrast of the event comes from the KALAO ARTE NEGRO GALLERY dedicated to black art on its widest sense since 2005. It covers from religious-animistic art –to which the gallery dedicates an annual exhibition–, to contemporary art, which is actually the most plentiful. In this aspect, the Gallery collaborates with artists from different countries of the African continent, some of whom are internationally known and others are up-and-comers. All of them show their personal way of understanding the world and offer keys to societies in which their work is developed. In ALMONEDA, acrylics on canvas by Ibrahima Kebe and Douts Ndoye, both from Senegal will be at sight, as well as works of mixed technique on canvas by Congolese Pierre Bodo, among others.
MARITA SEGOVIA Gallery also offers a combination of avant-garde art with newer trends and antiques, proposing pieces from this period such as an oil on board by Daniel Sueiras named “El banquete” (The banquet).
ALMONEDA is one of the largest meeting points for painting lovers. A unique occasion to admire and buy canvases at different prices in a showcase offering from antique paintings to pieces by the most outstanding contemporary artists.
Organized b y IFEMA, the Fair will take place at pavilion 3 of the Madrid Fair from 12 to 21 hour every day. Also, on Tuesday, April 12, it will Open Doors will free access to all visitors.
Source: Press Release
ALMONEDA Chief of Media: Iciar Martinez de Lecea
Related Publications
