The Orihuela Department of Culture has inaugurated an exhibition titled “Velázquez. Yesterday, today, always,” showcasing 21 works by the artist Amalia Navarro, inspired by the renowned Spanish painter Diego Velázquez. The exhibition will be on display at the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art starting from 12 November 2026.
During the presentation, Orihuela’s Culture Councillor, Anabel García, highlighted the historical and artistic connection between the city and Velázquez, referring to him as “the Painter of Painters,” a title coined by the Impressionist painter Édouard Manet. García pointed out that Velázquez’s work, “The temptation of Saint Thomas,” is a significant part of Orihuela’s artistic heritage.
García expressed her enthusiasm for showcasing Navarro’s work, stating that it offers the public a chance to engage with an artist who successfully dialogues with the great masters of painting while maintaining her own identity. “Amalia includes in her work, with respect and admiration, the great masters. She is a magnificent example of how to pay homage to the great painters without renouncing one’s own artistic identity,” she remarked.
The Councillor also praised Navarro’s artistic journey, noting that her works have been exhibited in prestigious national and international forums. She emphasised Navarro’s connection to Orihuela, describing her as an adopted daughter of the city, which is evident in her works, including a notable portrait of Pope John Paul II displayed in the Monserrate Sanctuary.
Dr Mariano Cecilia Espinosa, the exhibition curator, underscored the significance of connecting Velázquez’s legacy with contemporary creation. “We are fortunate in Orihuela to have a historical link with the great painter Diego Velázquez,” he stated. Cecilia explained that the exhibition offers a journey that intertwines the Velázquez universe with Navarro’s personal artistry, inviting viewers to reflect on how Velázquez transcended the physical limits of the canvas.
The exhibition also explores the relationship between painting and architecture, echoing Velázquez’s ability to create spaces that draw the viewer in. Cecilia highlighted Navarro’s unique sensitivity to light and colour, which resonates with Velázquez’s style, particularly in her works that evoke scenes reminiscent of the master’s oeuvre.
José Antonio Martínez García, director of the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, emphasised the exhibition’s role in bridging the historical influence of Velázquez with Navarro’s contemporary interpretations. He noted that Navarro’s meticulous realism and exceptional handling of light reflect the enduring relevance of Velázquez’s techniques, which anticipated movements like Impressionism.
The portrait of Pope John Paul II, included in the exhibition, exemplifies Navarro’s ability to convey profound realism and expressiveness, capturing both the pontiff’s personal features and his spiritual essence.
“Velázquez. Yesterday, today, always. Amalia Navarro” is not merely a tribute to the great master of the Golden Age; it invites audiences to discover how classical references remain alive in contemporary artistic creation and how they can acquire new meanings through the perspectives of modern artists. The exhibition will be open to the public at the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art from 12 November 2026 to 14 January 2027.
