The councillor for culture, Esther Vélez, and artist José Luis Serzo have announced the upcoming exhibition ‘fragments of a private constellation. Works from the art collection of José Luis Serzo I’, set to open on 6 November at 19:30 at the José Manuel Rotella National Photography Centre in Torrelavega. The exhibition will be on display until 13 December.
This exhibition showcases around 80 works from 67 artists, drawn from Serzo's private collection accumulated over his career. It features a diverse selection of pieces spanning various eras and artistic movements, including oil painting, watercolour, lithography, textile creation, and bronze sculpture.
During the presentation, Vélez highlighted the “singular” nature of the exhibition, which offers insight into a “very personal” collection shaped by the sensitivities, interests, and artistic relationships of its owner. She emphasised the “great variety and diversity” of techniques and expressions represented, describing the exhibition as “extremely interesting and rich.”
Vélez noted that the exhibition provides an opportunity to explore a different facet of José Luis Serzo through the works of other creators who have influenced his personal and professional journey. This selection allows viewers to appreciate his artistic affinities and gain insight into a broad landscape of contemporary art from recent decades, while also acknowledging artists from earlier periods.
Among the featured artists are José Gutiérrez Solana, Antonio Saura, Víctor Mira, Guillermo Pérez Villalta, Perejaume, Eduardo Gruber, Sergio Sanz, and José Cobo. Notably, works by José Manuel Puente and Emilio González Sainz, both linked to Torrelavega, are also included in the collection.
José Luis Serzo explained that the exhibition is the culmination of many years of “passion” for art and the work of his peers, during which he has collected pieces through purchases and exchanges, initially without the intention of forming a collection. He expressed that, alongside his own creative activity, he has always been interested in supporting and promoting the work of other artists. This relationship with various generations of artists has led to a collection that includes works from friends and contemporaries as well as pieces from creators who have been influential in his artistic development.
One of Serzo's main motivations for organising this exhibition was his desire to “share” part of this artistic heritage and contribute to leaving a “legacy” through the public display of the works, as well as their cataloguing and documentation. He noted that this selection also allows him to showcase “another creative side” of himself through the choice of pieces by other artists, creating a personal map of his artistic relationships, influences, and interests.
To prepare for the exhibition, Serzo collaborated with Marta Mantecón, who conducted a thorough cataloguing of the selected works. He indicated that this is the first part of his collection and expressed hope to present additional pieces in the future that could not be included this time.
The councillor for culture also announced that the exhibition will feature a photobook designed by local artist Pepe Terán, which will document the displayed works and help preserve the memory of this initiative. She invited residents and visitors to visit the National Photography Centre to experience this exhibition, which brings together various perspectives and interpretations of art through a selection of works that, in addition to their artistic value, carry personal stories.
The exhibition ‘fragments of a private constellation’ will be open for free at the José Manuel Rotella National Photography Centre, located at Paseo Julio Hauze, 14, until 13 December. The inauguration event will include interpretation in Spanish Sign Language. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 16:30 to 20:30, and Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 14:00.
