Antonio Saura Huesca, 1930- Cuenca, 1998

Antonio Saura (Huesca, 1930 – Cuenca, 1998) was a renowned Spanish painter and writer, best known for his contributions to the art movement known as Informalism. Mostly self-taught, Saura began painting and writing at the age of 15 while undergoing five years of confine­ment due to tuberculosis.

 

In his youth, Saura initially pursued studies in law, but his passion for art led him to abandon his legal career and move to Madrid in the early 1950s. There, he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene and began to experiment with different styles and techniques. Influenced by the works of Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró, Saura developed a distinctive artistic style characterized by its expressive and abstract nature. In 1957, Saura became associated with the group El Paso, together with the critic José Ayllón and the artists Rafael Canogar, Luis Feito, Manolo Millares, Manuel Rivera, Juana Francés, Pablo Serrano, and Antonio Suárez, a collective of Spanish artists who sought to break away from the traditional and academic art of the time. This association further fueled Saura's exploration of abstraction and expressionism. His early works often featured distorted figures and bold, gestural brushstrokes, reflecting his interest in the human condition and the existential themes that permeated his art.

 

As Saura's career progressed, he began to incorporate more social and political commentary into his works. His paintings often reflected his concern for the human condition, focusing on themes such as war, violence, and the inherent contradictions of human existence. Saura's art became a powerful vehicle for expressing his critique of societal issues and the human psyche. In addition to his work as a painter, Saura was also a talented writer and poet. He published several books throughout his career, delving into topics related to art theory and philosophy. Saura's writings offered valuable insights into his artistic process and provided a deeper understanding of his creative vision.

 

Antonio Saura's artistic contributions earned him international recognition and acclaim. His works have been exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.