In conjunction with the ongoing exhibition at Galería Marmurán dedicated to the influential figures of José Ortega and Pepe Díaz, the Alcázar de San Juan art gallery organised a round table discussion focusing on these two pivotal artists of the 20th century.
The event featured the presence of Cristina Perea, the local councillor for Culture, who attended to support this forum on the social realism of Ortega and the abstraction of Díaz within the context of the School of Paris.
Coordinated by Ángel Maroto, the exhibition curator and gallery owner, the discussion brought together notable personalities from the fields of art criticism and cultural dissemination, including Tomás Paredes, honorary president of the International Association of Art Critics; Francisco Matas, president of the Friends of Painter Ortega Association; and multidisciplinary creator Andrés Escribano.
Prior to the round table, Ángel Maroto emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the historical significance of these two artists, who are closely linked to the region but require greater visibility in the national art scene. He quoted Vicente Aguilera Cerní, stating, “What is historical must be known and shown. This round table supports an exhibition about two great painters of their time. For instance, Ortega has two museums in Italy, yet he is less known here in Spain.”
Art critic Tomás Paredes praised Galería Marmurán for its courage and passion in promoting such projects outside major institutional and capital circuits. He remarked, “Bringing together the works of Pepe Ortega and Pepe Díaz in a gallery in Alcázar is a tremendous achievement. We must thank Ángel Maroto for his passion for art and the audacity to present these initiatives, which are essential for ensuring that new generations do not forget these outstanding artists.”
Paredes also highlighted the role of local galleries in contrast to current entertainment trends, stating, “In a time when art is often confused with spectacle, it is a true luxury to have spaces that allow us to contemplate the work of two artists with such different yet enriching trajectories. It is imperative to continue advocating for and defending culture.”
