The mayor of Albacete, Manuel Serrano, has inaugurated the exhibition 'Línea & Forma', dedicated to the renowned sculptor José Luis Sánchez, coinciding with the centenary of his birth. Accompanied by the Councillor for Culture, Elena Serrallé, and curators Paloma Canivet and Sergio Mendoza, Serrano highlighted the importance of making Sánchez's work more accessible to the public.
During his speech, Serrano expressed a desire for the name of José Luis Sánchez to be associated with a deeper understanding of his artistic contributions. He stated, “This commemoration allows us to delve into the trajectory of this Almansa-born artist and bring his creations to new audiences.” He underscored the significance of cultural spaces in facilitating knowledge and engagement with art, asserting that “museums exist to make works accessible to citizens, providing insights that help them understand and inspire further exploration.”
The mayor particularly emphasised the importance of engaging younger generations, noting that “understanding our creators is part of knowing our cultural history.” He explained that sharing artistic heritage should be accompanied by initiatives that encourage the public to interact with the works, ask questions, and comprehend their context.
Serrano also expressed gratitude to the curators for their meticulous preparation of the exhibition and acknowledged the contribution of Sánchez's daughter, who provided personal insights into her father's life and work. He remarked, “Sharing the works that your father kept in his studio opens a part of his world, allowing us to learn more about him as a person.”
José Luis Sánchez, born in Almansa, dedicated nearly seventy years to his craft, consistently exploring and experimenting with forms and materials. Serrallé noted that “such an extensive career requires not only talent but also immense dedication and a willingness to continue learning,” qualities that highlight his significant impact on Spanish sculpture.
In his address, Serrano also recalled Sánchez's connection to Albacete through his work 'Pórtico' and the collaboration with the city council and Sánchez's family to restore one of his sculptures for a new installation in the city. He expressed hope that this commemoration would sustain public interest in the sculptor's work.
Elena Serrallé further emphasised the commitment required for a lifetime of creativity, pointing out that Sánchez's career illustrates the extensive groundwork that precedes a finished piece: the trials, material choices, and the search for a unique expression. She highlighted the exhibition's value in understanding the sculptor's craft and the dedication that underpinned his nearly seventy-year career.
Paloma Canivet, Sánchez's daughter and co-curator of the exhibition, praised the opportunity to share works that remained within her father's personal environment, which help illuminate his creative concerns and daily life as an artist. She expressed appreciation for Albacete's warm reception of this tribute and highlighted the value of guided tours that allow for interaction with visitors, answering questions and sharing memories that enrich their experience of the exhibition.
The 'Línea & Forma. José Luis Sánchez, escultor' exhibition will be open until 13 December at the Municipal Museum of Albacete, located in Plaza del Altozano. The museum's visiting hours are from 10:30 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 21:00, except for Monday afternoons when it is closed. The exhibition programme includes several talks and guided tours led by Paloma Canivet and Sergio Mendoza, scheduled for 18 November at 17:00, and on 24 November, 2 December, and 10 December at 18:00. Additionally, a musical tribute titled 'El trazo infinito' will take place on 18 November at 19:00 at the Municipal Film Archive, featuring Ulises Illán and Nereydas, alongside soprano Manon Chauvin, with free admission until capacity is reached.
