Art Madrid'26 – LISTEN WITH YOUR EYES. SOUNDS ART IN SPAIN, 1961-2016

Ramón González-Arroyo, L'isla des Neumas, 2007. Sound installation at the Fundación Juan March Museum, Palma. Collection of the artist. Photo: Xisco Bonnín / Fundación Juan March Archive

 

 

The face B of contemporary art is noted with the compilation sample of Sound art of the foundation Juan March (Madrid), this set was already exhibited in the Juan March Foundation Museum of Palma de Mallorca (February 10 - May 21) and In the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art of Cuenca (June 16 - September 18). These artistic practices have been gaining support through exhibitions in museums and monographic exhibitions, as well as their presence in reasoned catalogs and the elaboration of specialized bibliography.

 

The curators, José Iges and José Luis Maire have chosen more than 400 works to articulate this particular discourse. As a blank sheet, sound art up to the 60s had no place in the Spanish artistic panorama and even until the 70s was not found the relevant documentation to catalog it as artistic practice. In this exhibition, they give a nod to the story that has not been resorted to and give it the importance it deserves.

 

 

 

Photo of the exhibition

 

 

The characteristic of such exposure is the homogeneity with which it has been treated. The most common when projecting an exhibition of these characteristics is to isolate each work of the group to endow it with a unitary meaning and not contaminate the acoustic space. That sense of exclusivity and evasion has been shaped in "Listening with the eyes". Here they have preferred that these works share space with those of the permanent collection and have articulated a discourse that not only highlights our auditory sense, but also the visual one. This action gives the static work a certain dynamism that makes its reading can be interpreted with another language.

 

Photo of the exhibition

 

 

They have also taken into account the architectural structure of the spaces, thus integrating works that endow the space with a significant character that only the audiovisual can foster. The view is a very powerful sense and with this sample aims to give voice to what the eye is not accustomed, form a binomial and break the limits of space.


Technological obsolescence and collective memory are very definite themes in the character of the show, this anachronistic challenge, has been articulated in a chronological way, beginning with the pioneer artists of the 60s, vinyls as standard of the Sound Art. There are not only samples In the exhibition of Madrid, have integrated with these pieces files and objects relating to the pieces creating a signed statement of the trajectory of said practice.
 

 

 

Mikel Arce, * .WAV, 2004. Sound installation at the Juan March Foundation Museum, Palma. Collection of the artist. Photo: Xisco Bonnín / Fundación Juan March Archive

 

 


Until the 21 of January you can visit her in the Foundation March, Madrid. An obligatory stop for all those who love the sensory and the eccentric. An appointment with what has never been forgotten and now is being given voice. If you are looking for an alternative to what is stipulated this is your exhibition.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Art Madrid presents the second edition of its Patronage Program, an initiative aimed at reinforcing its commitment to contemporary artistic production and the promotion of collecting. The program articulates several lines of support designed to enhance the visibility of participating artists, promote recognition of emerging careers, and consolidate sustainable relationships among artists, galleries, and collectors—thereby strengthening the professional ecosystem surrounding the fair.

This edition is supported by leading institutions, private collections, and companies committed to the development of contemporary art. The involvement of the private sector is essential in consolidating a sustainable model of support for artistic creation, understanding investment in art as a driver of innovation, prestige, and cultural responsibility. The program is further reinforced by the active participation of patrons who, through acquisitions and support of emerging artists, contribute to generating tangible opportunities and strengthening the artistic landscape.


Within this framework, the program includes the One Shot Hotels Revelation Award, a distinction intended to highlight a proposal that, through its singularity and strength, makes a particularly powerful entrance into the contemporary landscape. Through this award, One Shot Hotels, official sponsor of Art Madrid’26, reinforces its commitment to increasing visibility and supporting new voices within the contemporary art scene.


Meanwhile, the Cervezas Alhambra Emerging Artist Award focuses on the projection and consistency of a developing career, recognizing sustained processes and distinctive artistic languages within the most recent generation of creators. Through this initiative, Cervezas Alhambra reaffirms its commitment to new generations and to the ongoing support of contemporary artistic production.

The artists recognized in both awards will be announced shortly.


Acquisition Awards

Four entities — Studiolo Collection, E2IN2 Collection, Devesa Law, and dn2 Collection — reaffirm their commitment to contemporary art through the acquisition of works by artists participating in the fair. Their engagement not only contributes to the dissemination of contemporary art but also supports artists’ professional development and strengthens the collecting ecosystem. These initiatives are essential to ensuring the continuity and long-term projection of artistic careers. Through these Acquisition Awards, the selected works will enter prominent private collections, guaranteeing their preservation, study, and circulation within the art world.


About One Shot Hotels

One Shot Hotels is a collection of 14 boutique hotels located in prime areas of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, San Sebastián, and Porto. In 2026, the brand will expand to three new destinations: Ibiza, Lisbon, and Bilbao.

Each hotel reflects a commitment to design, creativity, and aesthetics, authentically integrating art and culture throughout its spaces. More than accommodations, the hotels are places with soul—each environment conveys artistic sensibility and attention to detail, offering guests a memorable stay that combines comfort, style, and culture.

Proximity, innovation, and a passion for the arts define the brand’s identity and shape how One Shot Hotels connects people with the creativity of each city in which it operates. The hotel group brings art and culture closer to guests and visitors, fostering authentic connections between its spaces and the creative spirit of each location.


About Cervezas Alhambra

Art Madrid is officially sponsored by Cervezas Alhambra, in line with its longstanding commitment to supporting contemporary artistic creation.

True to its philosophy, the brand promotes initiatives that celebrate unhurried craftsmanship, artisanal dedication, and the beauty found in details—values it has cultivated for over a century since its origins in Granada. Its support of artistic creation reflects a way of living and experiencing through all five senses, inviting audiences to slow down and engage with experiences that go beyond the purely visual.

Its cultural engagement is a natural extension of its brewing philosophy: a process rooted in knowledge, passion, and dedication, resulting in unique, authentic, and memorable creations. In this way, Cervezas Alhambra continues to accompany artists and creators, emphasizing process and reminding us that—just as in art—there is an essential ingredient in its beers: time.


About Colección Studiolo

Colección Studiolo, founded by Candela Álvarez Soldevilla, is a private initiative dedicated to the acquisition and promotion of modern and contemporary art. Inspired by the concept of the studiolo as a space for contemplation and thought, the collection brings together works across diverse artistic languages, with particular attention to 20th-century avant-gardes and contemporary artists. It understands collecting as a long-term commitment and sustained support for artistic practice.


About E2IN2 Collection

E2IN2 is an entity engaged in projects that generate significant economic and social value. The organization supports artistic talent and is currently seeking collaborators with whom to exhibit works from its art collection.


About Devesa Law

Devesa is a national law firm specialized in business law. Its mission is to provide value to companies, investors, and institutions operating in Spain through outstanding legal and tax services. Founded in 2007, the firm currently maintains offices in Madrid, Alicante, and Valencia, from which it serves clients nationwide.


About dn2 Collection

Colección dn2, based in Gran Canaria, is a private initiative dedicated to the acquisition and promotion of national and international contemporary art. Since its inception, it has developed a continuously growing collection characterized by diversity of artistic languages and a strong commitment to emerging and mid-career artists. The collection views acquisition as a long-term act of support and commitment to artists’ careers.