Art Madrid'26 – ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM ARRIVES IN BILBAO

Mural, 1943- Jackson Pollock

 

 

Abstract expressionism is considered the first American movement within abstract art. American critics soon caught the emergence of the new style. Robert Coates is credited with the invention of the term, however the artists of this movement rejected this idea implying that they had nothing to do with abstract painting or German expressionism.

 

 

PH-950, 1950- Clifford Still 

 

 

 

The representatives of this current belonged to different nationalities and social groups, therefore it was a heterogeneous feeling. What they did have in common was the experience of historical events of such magnitude as the Spanish Civil War, two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, among others. The scale of the US as a world power fueled the confidence to proclaim itself queen of the artistic panorama at world-wide level. What stands out to this movement is the capacity of expression that shows in its works.

 

 

Excavation, 1950- De Kooning

 

 

Divided into two easily recognizable currents, the "action painting" that stands out for its movement, was the seed that germinated the primacy of action before the work. The gesture of painting spontaneously proclaims itself as a kind of psychic and physical automatism of the artist.


The other side, the "color-field" or painting of fields of color is an antecedent of the minimal movement. It was presented as an alternative to "action painting", focused on the color and language that it transmits. One of the characteristics of this aspect is the intensity with which its representatives fix the color in the fabric, making a monochrome with hardly any presence, a light and calm movement that contrasts with the vibrant reaction of the action paintings.

 

Blue gray- Mark Rothko

 

 

 

This movement removes the traditional barriers between painting and painter making the action a work of art. For this reason, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao together with the Royal Academy of London have wanted to pay tribute to this style with an exhibition that will open on February 3 and will be in force until June 4. Curated by David Anfam, Edith Devaney and Lucía Agirre, it promises to be an unavoidable event for this season.

 

 



Liquitex at Art Madrid’26: Creativity, Innovation and a Commitment to the Future of Art

Since 1955, Liquitex has built a distinguished legacy rooted in continuous innovation, technical excellence, and unwavering support for the artistic community. Its history is closely intertwined with the evolution of contemporary art, accompanying generations of creators with materials that expand expressive possibilities and encourage fearless experimentation.

At the 21st edition of Art Madrid, Liquitex renews its commitment to contemporary creation, reaffirming its position as a leading brand in professional acrylics and a strategic partner to both emerging and established artists.



Liquitex has transformed the world of acrylics since inventing the first water-based acrylic paint. Today, its portfolio continues to set industry standards through advanced formulations, exceptional color vibrancy, and remarkable versatility across artistic disciplines. Each product is designed to provide total control over color, texture, and finish, empowering artists to explore new techniques and develop work with a distinct voice. For Liquitex, innovation is not an end in itself, but a catalyst for creative freedom.



Under the tagline Just Imagine, Liquitex invites artists to challenge boundaries and embrace art as a space of limitless possibility. This philosophy not only defines its creative approach but also translates into a tangible commitment to artistic growth, offering materials conceived to support experimental processes and contemporary narratives.

Every brushstroke, every blend, and every surface transformed with Liquitex becomes an opportunity to imagine without constraint and create bold visual narratives.



Liquitex and the Support of Emerging Talent: Espacio Nebrija

At Art Madrid’26, Liquitex strengthens its dedication to nurturing and professionalizing emerging talent through its sponsorship of Espacio Nebrija, a curatorial initiative developed by Universidad Nebrija. For the second consecutive time, the project offers Fine Arts students the opportunity to make their professional debut within the contemporary art circuit.

Curated by Luis Gárciga, the project proposes a critical reflection on artistic pedagogy, the art market, and technology through the concept NotanIA SipedagogIE—an aesthetic, empathetic, and anti-algorithmic pedagogy that champions Aesthetic Intelligence in response to creative automation.

The stand is conceived as a space of transition, resistance, and experimentation, bringing visibility to the processes, aspirations, and perspectives of a new generation of artists in formation. Thanks to Liquitex’s support, participants have access to professional-grade materials that enable them to develop their projects with complete technical and conceptual freedom, fostering an environment grounded in research, experimentation, and critical inquiry.



Liquitex’s presence at Art Madrid’26 underscores its commitment to a responsible brand model actively engaged with the future of art. Recently awarded B Corp Certification, Liquitex joins a global community of companies dedicated to sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility.

This recognition affirms a long-term vision centered on artistic excellence, environmental stewardship, and support for creative communities—values reflected both in the development of new products and in the brand’s active involvement in cultural initiatives.

At Art Madrid’26, Liquitex continues to champion contemporary creativity, accompanying artists in their exploration of new visual languages and reaffirming that art, when equipped with the right tools, knows no boundaries. Because imagining is always the first step toward transforming reality.



ABOUT LIQUITEX

The world-leading professional acrylic brand Liquitex joins Art Madrid’26 as a sponsor, reinforcing its mission to empower artists and support contemporary creation through Espacio Nebrija.

At the 21st edition of the fair, the brand reaffirms its purpose of helping individuals connect with their creative energy, encouraging them to imagine and tell stories through art. Liquitex, the American brand recently awarded B Corp Certification, celebrates an achievement that not only welcomes it into a global community of purpose-driven companies but also reinforces its long-standing commitments.

These commitments encompass artistic excellence, sustainability, social responsibility through engagement with artists, employees, and local communities, and transparency within its business model. Liquitex remains dedicated to continuous innovation and product development, striving to serve as a force for positive change in society and for the environment—leaving a more meaningful and responsible legacy for the future.