Artizar Gallery Opens Major José Abad Retrospective

The Artizar Gallery in La Laguna is opening a major exhibition this Saturday dedicated to the late Tenerife sculptor José Abad (1942-2025). Titled "Dialogues with Vulcan," this retrospective looks back at his entire career. Open until April 13th at the gallery's San Agustín street location, the exhibition explores six decades of work by a crucial figure in modern Canarian art. His influence also reached the national art scene in the late 20th century.

The exhibition's title comes from a series of sculptures and collages Abad created between 2021 and 2024. This creative period was sparked by the 2021 eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma. Abad incorporated images of the eruption into a series of collages and a large Corten steel sculpture, also called "Dialogues with Vulcan," which was made for the Espacio Mutua Tinerfeña in La Laguna. Interestingly, this same venue hosted "Madreyerro," Abad's last major exhibition, which ended just months before he passed away.

While "Madreyerro" was seen as a farewell, "Dialogues with Vulcan" celebrates Abad's lasting work. With his heirs' permission, his art is now part of the Artizar Gallery's collection. The two titles actually complement each other: "Madreyerro" refers to his creative process and how he approached materials, while "Dialogues with Vulcan" suggests a deep, lifelong connection.

Long before the La Palma eruption, José Abad had a continuous fascination with Vulcan, the god of fire and the forge. From his early days working with iron and welding, he explored making armor and weapons. This interaction shaped his career and established him as a key artist. While most of the iron sculptures in "Dialogues with Vulcan" are from his last decade, the exhibition also features earlier works. These early pieces show his initial engagement with materials and hint at influences from masters like Gargallo or Julio González, whose styles Abad admired. The exhibition also showcases his work in wood – another material he frequently engaged with – and his pieces on paper.

You can visit the exhibition Tuesday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Saturdays, it's open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.