Spain
is a Nation that has been involved in conflict almost since it's very
creation. Whether it be the conquest of Central and South America by
Cortez, the Caralist Wars, or The Spanish Civil War. So its not
surprising that throughout the ages Spanish artists have sought to
include political commentary in their art. This exhibit looks at
Spanish Artwork throughout the ages and see how political commentary by
these artist have changed. The Exhibit begins by looking at Spanish
paintings by artist like Velazquez which offer political commentary which praises the empire, with perhaps subtle critiques of the empire which only appear by looking closer. To Goya who begins his career painting very idealistic pictures of Spain, the exhibit tracks the change in Goya. As Goya paintings become darker and darker with the Spanish Enlightenment failing to prevent wars, French occupation of Spain, and the Reinstatement of Ferdinand the VII. From there the exhibit takes a closer look at the surrealism used by Dali to critique the events that lead to the Spanish Civil War and the Civil War itself. Also looking at a photograph taken by Robert Capa during the Spanish Civil War. Next we move into the era of Francoism after the Civil War with heavy censorship involved the only art that was allowed, was art which praised Franco. With Franco's death and with pact of silence in place the art of the new era, la movida, art purposely shied away from making political commentary. Finally, in the Early 90's the pact of silence begins to break which leads to uncovering of mass graves, and the 2007 Law Of Historical memory which both influenced the creation of the final work in this exhibit Always Franco by Eugine Muerino.
Wexner Center For The Arts
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Dayton Art Institute
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Other Locations
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