CentroCentro in Madrid is now showcasing the first exhibition dedicated to the work of José María Cruz Novillo, a prominent Spanish artist known for his contributions to both visual and sound art. The exhibition, which runs from October 8, 2026, to January 24, 2027, was conceptualized in collaboration with Cruz Novillo himself and is curated by Pepe Cruz-Novillo Jr. and Elena Fernández Manrique.
The exhibition spans over five decades of Cruz Novillo's artistic exploration, focusing on themes such as color, arithmetic, time, sound, and play. It features 150 works, including paintings, sculptures in wood, stone, and bronze, audiovisual pieces, models, and preparatory drawings, as well as documentary materials that provide insight into the artist's creative process.
Exploring Cruz Novillo's Artistic Evolution
The exhibition presents a dialogue between historical pieces and more recent works. Notable items include 'Tximparta' and 'Acoplamiento,' which were part of Cruz Novillo's individual presentation at the Spanish Pavilion of the São Paulo Biennial in 1977, alongside newer works like 'Diafragma decafónico de dígitos,' created for the National Institute of Statistics in 2024.
Cruz Novillo's artistic journey began in the late 1960s, with his first solo exhibition in 1972 at the Skira Gallery in Madrid, showcasing his 'Manipulable Structures' cycle. His work has evolved to incorporate themes of appropriation and inquiry into image perception and manipulation, drawing from cinema, media, and art history.
Innovative Concepts in Art and Sound
In the mid-1990s, Cruz Novillo introduced the concept of 'diafragma,' merging sound and visual art. This synesthetic approach associates each color tone with a musical note, exemplified by the 'Diafragma dodecafónico Opus 14,' a piece designed to unfold over nearly 34,000 centuries, reflecting the artist's interest in cosmic proportions.
Some works in the exhibition are from Cruz Novillo's studio, while others are on loan from institutions such as the Museo Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo, the Bank of Spain, the Málaga City Council, the Juan March Foundation, and private collections.
A Legacy in Design and Art
Cruz Novillo began his professional career in 1958 as a draftsman and became a renowned graphic designer, creating visual identities for major Spanish institutions, including Correos, Renfe, and Repsol. His cinematic contributions include poster designs for films such as 'El espíritu de la colmena' and 'Los lunes al sol.'
Throughout his career, Cruz Novillo received numerous accolades, including the National Design Award in 1997 and the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 2012. He passed away on May 1 in Madrid while preparing for this exhibition.
For more information, visit the CentroCentro website.
