La Laguna Hosts Major Retrospective of Painter Ramón Gaya

The Cristino de Vera Foundation-CajaCanarias Cultural Space in La Laguna is now hosting a retrospective dedicated to the painter Ramón Gaya. Titled Ramón Gaya. The Saved Reality, the exhibition features 24 of the Murcian artist’s works created between 1923 and 2003, alongside a selection of his editorial projects.

This exhibition is part of the Network of Unipersonal Museums, a project based in Murcia that celebrates the work of unique creators. Beyond showcasing Gaya’s career, the display highlights the artistic connection between him and Cristino de Vera. Despite their age gap, both artists share a style rooted in introspection and a disciplined, contemplative approach to art.

The opening ceremony featured speeches from CajaCanarias Foundation president Humberto Orán, Ramón Gaya Museum director Rafael Fuster, and art critic Juan Manuel Bonet. Bonet noted that Gaya, who died in 2005, was long overlooked by the art world. This was due in part to his years in exile in Mexico and Italy, and the post-war trend that favored abstract art over his figurative style.

Gaya’s life was shaped by both his early ties to the Generation of '27 intellectuals and personal tragedy, including the death of his wife during a 1939 bombing in Figueres, which marked the start of his exile. Today, his work is recognized as essential to understanding 20th-century Spanish painting.

The exhibition includes a series of talks and events and will remain open until July 25. Visitors can attend Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., or on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.