José Enguídanos on Art, Authenticity, and the Spanish Art System
In a conversation with Plataforma de Arte Contemporáneo, José Enguídanos, a Spanish painter born in Albacete in 1962, shares insights into his artistic journey and critiques the Spanish art landscape. After his studies in Madrid, he returned to Albacete, which he believes fosters more genuine creativity. His artistic method utilizes found images to craft disquieting scenes, often contrasting photographs and modifying aspects to highlight the conflict between nature and built environments. Enguídanos expresses discontent with Spanish galleries that impose fees on artists, particularly those requiring payment for exhibition space. He points to a transformative 1984 course with José Guerrero as a major influence. His current project, 'La arquitectura y el alma,' was exhibited in Frankfurt, with hopes for a showing in Spain. For over two decades, he has dedicated himself solely to painting.
Key facts
- José Enguídanos was born in Albacete in 1962.
- He studied painting (1983) and industrial design (1985) at the Escuela de Artes y Oficios in Madrid.
- He lived in Madrid for ten years but found it unproductive, returning to Albacete for tranquility.
- His creative process starts with found images from magazines or advertising.
- He strips images of original function to create new, unsettling visions.
- His recent series explores the relationship between nature and architecture.
- He criticizes Spanish galleries for making artists pay for transport and catalogs.
- He condemns galleries that charge artists to exhibit, calling them fraudulent.
- He was secretary of the Association of Artists of Albacete.
- He was inspired by a 1984 course with José Guerrero at the Círculo de Bellas Artes de Madrid.
- His project 'La arquitectura y el alma' was shown in Frankfurt; he wants to show it in Spain.
- He uses hashtags #Atmósferas and #Surrealismo.
- His themes include landscapes, characters, animals, architecture, and dreams.
- He has been dedicated exclusively to painting for over twenty years.
Entities
Artists
- José Enguídanos
- José Guerrero
Institutions
- Plataforma de Arte Contemporáneo
- Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Madrid
- Círculo de Bellas Artes de Madrid
- Asociación de Artistas de Albacete
- Monkey Garden
Locations
- Albacete
- Spain
- Madrid
- Frankfurt
- Germany