Several uprisings, protests and public initiatives demanding real equality between women and men in our society have given way to the so-called "Fourth Wave" of the feminist movement. We are starring in a historical period that defends that women's rights must be once again on the social and political agenda to settle a debt still pending on the much-needed parity. And in this context, the proposals that want to redeem the historical void that many women have suffered are of vital importance.

Varvara Fedorovna Stepanova, “Jugadores de billar”, 1920, © VEGAP, Madrid (photo via museothyssen.org)

To some extent, this effort to highlight the different professional roles that many women have developed throughout history constitutes a titanic effort. We must keep in mind that this forgetting is not only due to a tendency to relegate them following the dictates of the dominant patriarchal thought, but also to a factual reality, such as the lack of women who could make their way into each historical stage and stand out in their field in adverse circumstances for this. Without a doubt, there would have been many more examples with a propitious context. Let us think that the world population is divided equally between both genders. Seen this way, throughout these centuries, our collective knowledge, our progress and the evolution of our own history has been deprived of the contributions that come from half of society.

As we said, we live in a stage in which projects rediscovering relevant female characters in their respective specialities are in full swing. The objective of these initiatives is not, of course, to change the past, but to open new paths towards the future. The questioning of our location on this path through equality is a reflection of a global society that has matured and that dares to take giant steps in this direction. Self-criticism and the will to amend imply a prior exercise of reflection and analysis. Thus, extolling the work of women who were pioneers in their field shows that history has not always been as they have told us, but, above all, it provides models and examples that can inspire the women (and society) of the future to face their personal and professional development with the certainty that they will not have obstacles because they are women.

Viera Sparza (Mª Dolores Esparza Pérez de Petinto), Virginia, 1956, (photo vía museo.abc.es)

Large institutions also add to this trend. The Prado Museum will open next October 22nd one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year dedicated to two great women of painting who practically went unnoticed for the history of art. Sofonisba Anguissola (ca. 1535-1625) and Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614) were two outstanding artists who were able to devote themselves completely to their passion despite living in an adverse environment that prioritised male work. This exhibition brings together for the first time 60 works by these two authors and will be a unique opportunity to get to know their legacy. Although the relevance they reached in their time, even in life, was blurred over the years, in recent times a huge interest in their work has aroused, both for researchers, scholars and experts and for the general public. And this is because these creators broke moulds, dismantled stereotypes and questioned some of the maxims long defended by the society of that time about the lower quality of female work in artistic disciplines.

For its part, the ABC Museum of Illustration closed last month its exhibition "Dibujantas", which brought to light the work of 40 women illustrators who collaborated in publications since the end of the s. XIX that, however, remained anonymous on numerous occasions. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum also contributed to this line with an exhibition dedicated to women of the Russian avant-garde, under the title "Pioneers", which took place from March to June of this year.

Sofonisba Anguissola, “Isabel de Valois sosteniendo un retrato de Felipe II”, 1561 - 1565 (foto vía museodelprado.es)

These proposals fulfil an exemplary and pedagogical mission, with a discourse for equality developed from the position of influence that many of these institutions have, serving as a model for many others. Without a doubt, we are on the right path, walking towards a balance in all areas of society, and this not only applies to art but to any other sector of activity.

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.