Cultural councillor Elena Serrallé has unveiled the exhibition 'Línea & Forma' and the concert 'El trazo infinito', two initiatives celebrating the life and work of the Almansa-born artist and sculptor José Luis Sánchez, marking the centenary of his birth. During a press conference, Serrallé expressed her gratitude for the presence of Paloma Canivet, Sánchez's daughter and co-curator of the exhibition alongside Sergio Mendoza, acknowledging their efforts in making this commemoration possible.
Serrallé highlighted that these initiatives aim to connect the public with Sánchez's artistic journey and his contributions to the renewal of Spanish sculpture. She stated, “We want those who know José Luis Sánchez to delve deeper into his work, and for those approaching him for the first time to find a great opportunity to do so.” She emphasised that dedicating space and attention to Sánchez represents an artistic contribution that Albacete can be proud of, reinforcing the commitment to raise awareness of his legacy.
The programme, which combines visual arts and music, offers a multifaceted understanding of the sculptor, addressing both his artistic evolution and the more personal dimensions of his creations. Serrallé also acknowledged the participation of musicians in this tribute, noting Sánchez's curiosity for various art forms.
Additionally, she mentioned the efforts made by the City Council this year, in collaboration with the sculptor's family, to restore 'Pórtico', a work that was part of Albacete's urban landscape and required specialised intervention after being absent from public view for an extended period.
Elena Serrallé encouraged the people of Albacete to engage with both activities and to use this programme as a chance to discover or deepen their knowledge of the artist, “with curiosity, without needing prior knowledge,” aiming to make Sánchez's artistic contributions accessible to audiences of all ages.
Paloma Canivet expressed her desire to bring the public closer to both José Luis Sánchez's work and his artistic philosophy, offering personal insights from someone who shared his environment and understands his legacy. To this end, she will conduct several talks and guided tours of the exhibition, allowing deeper exploration of the displayed pieces and the artist's creative process. These events are scheduled for 18 November at 17:00, and on 24 November, 2 December, and 10 December at 18:00.
The first initiative, the exhibition 'Línea & Forma. José Luis Sánchez, sculptor', will open on 12 November at the Municipal Museum of Albacete, located in Plaza del Altozano, with an inauguration planned for 19:30. The exhibition features works that the artist kept in his home-studio, pieces that accompanied him and provide insight into his creative concerns. It will be open for public viewing until 13 December 2026, from 10:30 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 21:00, closed on Mondays.
The programme will continue on 18 November at 19:00 at the Municipal Film Library of Albacete, also in Plaza del Altozano, with the concert 'El trazo infinito'. Ulises Illán and Nereydas, along with soprano Manon Chauvin, will perform this musical tribute to José Luis Sánchez on the centenary of his birth, with free admission until capacity is reached.
