The Casino de la Armonía has launched an exhibition of 36 oil paintings by sor María Teresa, a nun from the mínimas community, as part of the celebrations marking 400 years since the congregation's arrival in daimiel. The exhibition, which opened on 16 October, showcases a lesser-known aspect of convent life through landscapes, memories, and traditional scenes.
The inauguration was attended by daimiel's mayor, Leopoldo Sierra, municipal representatives, members of the religious community, and local residents. The event was coordinated by Andrés García-Consuegra, head of the Culture Department, and featured speeches from the artist and Sagrario Utrilla, a member of the mínimas community.
Artistic reflections of La Mancha
The exhibition presents works inspired by both Impressionist and realist styles, with a focus on light, water, and landscapes. Recognisable locations such as the Tablas de Daimiel, Zacatena, and windmills are depicted alongside scenes of grape harvesting, haymaking, and saffron gathering. These images reflect the natural and human landscape of La Mancha, intertwined with the artist's personal memories and concerns.
Sor María Teresa shared that she began painting during her novitiate approximately 40 years ago and has continued to pursue this passion alongside her primary role in art restoration. She credited painter Leocadio Melchor for encouraging her artistic development. "I love painting; I appreciate the light, water, and the beautiful landscapes of our Mancha, where I see God," she expressed, conveying the personal significance of her works to attendees.
Mayor Sierra highlighted the exhibition's ability to connect the public with both the artist's sensitivity and the collective memory of the town. "Behind each painting lies many hours of work, but also an emotion, a memory, and a way of viewing creation," he remarked, commending sor María Teresa for sharing her artistic side with the community.
A charitable initiative
The exhibition also serves a charitable purpose. The paintings are available for purchase, with proceeds directed towards the conservation needs of the convent, particularly the repair of its roofs. Sagrario Utrilla emphasised the variety of styles and formats in the paintings and encouraged attendees to support the religious community through their purchases. Andrés García-Consuegra expressed gratitude for the efforts of the nuns and all involved in the organisation of the event.
The exhibition will be open until 8 November at the Casino de la Armonía, with visiting hours from Monday to Friday, 19:00 to 21:00; Saturdays, 12:00 to 14:00 and 19:00 to 21:00; and Sundays, 12:00 to 14:00.
Celebrations to continue with jubilee year
This inauguration marks the beginning of a programme celebrating the arrival of the first mínimas nuns in daimiel in 1627 from the monastery of Antequera. Mayor Sierra noted that this presence originated from the community's own desire and has maintained a close relationship with the town for generations. "This convent is not just a building in our city; it is part of the heart of daimiel," he stated.
The programme will continue on 17 October at 18:00 with a concert by the local choir Molto Vivace in the convent church, featuring new compositions dedicated to the venerable sor Consuelo, an emblematic figure of the convent. On 18 October at 17:00, the Bishop of Ciudad Real, Abilio Martínez, will preside over a mass that includes the opening of the jubilee door, marking the commencement of the Jubilee Year granted by the Holy See in honour of this anniversary.
