The works of sixteen Galician artists highlight the importance of drawing in Santiago

Sixteen artists and 107 drawings. From the 19th century to the present day. From Jenaro Perez Villamil to Jorge Castillo passing by Castelao, Diaz Pardo, louis seoane and Isidoro Brocoyes, among other things. He Center of Abanca from Santiago exhibits until September 30 a selection of more than 400 drawings that are a part Abanca collection, some of which can be seen for the first time, to influence the richness of this artistic modality and its different techniques. «We want to value drawing within our collection and in the general context of art history, teaching different techniques and styles.», convinced Diego Casconresponsible for the artistic direction of Abanco.

Sample Drawing in the Abanca collection offers a an almost chronological viewing of the exhibition compiled by the authors, but there are also links depending on the type of work. In this way, drawings that have value as final works are included; others that are notes, sketches or academic studies; travel notes and, finally, those that are preparatory to larger works. In this way, the sample «helps to better understand the artistic process», says Cascón.

One of the great landscape painters, Jenaro Pérez Villaamil, opens the tour of the exhibition with three drawings before later works where notes can be seen. He is followed by Isidoro Brocos, a man from Compostela known for his sculptural work, but also a great draftsman who is Picasso’s teacher. Among his works are nudes from his student days, others that show his taste for caricature and small travel notebooks. Below are the works of his children Eugenia and Florentina, as well as his brother Modesto. In the latter case, the inclusion of color is highly appreciated, with models for ceramics and fans with Egyptian and Japanese motifs.

Animals, family portraits and travel drawings are the backbone of the works exhibited by Francisco Lloréns. The one made in Madrid in 1936 with the view from his house when he was unable to move after the coup d’état is particularly striking. The journey through the exhibition continues with Manuel Abelenda and his painting of portraits and landscapes in a regional tone.

On the second floor of the Abanca Center, visitors are greeted by a rich collection of Castelao’s graphic works with drawings from the “Cousas da vida” series. Of course, some appear crossed out by subsequent censorship. You can also see the works of Álvaro Cebreiro, among which is his portrait of the musician Manuel Quiroga – his violin from 1727 is on display at the exhibition. The pattern also makes it possible to get to know the portraits made by Arturo Soto, thus revealing this aspect of the artist, since he is best known as a landscape painter. In addition, drawings and a final portrait are included that bring the creation process closer.

In the final leg of the tour, a dialogue opens between Isaac Díaz Pardo and Luis Seoane, to continue with Laxeira and a new dialogue, the one established by María Antonia Dans and José María de Labra. “They both work with color and study geometry, but he focuses on the city and she on the countryside,” Cascón claims. The final point of the tour was given by Jorge Castillo, the only living artist. In this case, the preparatory drawings of his Palomares series are exhibited

The exhibition can be viewed from Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays and holidays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will be closed on Sundays. The catalog is also available in digital form..