The impact of cinema was, since its invention, the prelude to a whole discipline that continues to this day in constant evolution. The strength of the image and the appeal of the visual narrative has come to displace in many schools of arts the interest for more traditional forms of artistic expression. The world of contemporary creation did not escape this trend, and cinema, already consecrated as such, has been opening the way to other experimental forms that use the moving image as the main language.

René Magritte, “The Son of Man”, 1964

Frame from the movie “The Thomas Crown Affair”, 1999

We continue today talking about the 7th art as an unmistakable label to designate the cinema, without knowing very well where the classification comes from and what are the other previous six arts. Although classifying-tradition goes back to the time of ancient Greece, cradle par excellence of an artistic and technical wealthiness, and which also has rich mythology-stories to cover explanations for all kinds on the deeds of humanity, at that time the categorisation of the arts was based on combining both intellectual and physical aspects, resulting in enumerations that today are difficult for us to understand. Afterwards, the Romans assimilated this same tradition. Cicero spoke of three orders of arts: "Major Arts": military policy and strategy; "Medium Arts": science, poetry and rhetoric, and "Minor Arts": painting, sculpture, music, performance and athletics.

Left: Frame from “Meet Joe Black”, 1998 / Right: Mark Rothko, “Blue, Orange, Red”, 1961 (image from ©wikiart)

After many changes over the centuries, the classification handled today was established by the Italian artist Ricciotto Canudo in his treatise "Manifesto of the seven arts", of 1911, where he fixes this order as follows: 1) architecture, 2 ) sculpture, 3) painting, 4) music 5) poetry/literature, 6) dance and 7) cinema, list that has recently been enlarged with new disciplines such as photography, comics, video games, costumes or theater.

Goya, “Saturn Devouring His Children”, 1819-1823 (image from ©wikimedia)

Frame from the movie “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”, 2010

Beyond classifications, perhaps the cinema contains the potential to be a totalising art. Its capacity to refer all the other disciplines, to self-refer as well, and to be a vehicle of expression to which many multidisciplinary artists resort at one moment or another allows numerous readings and re-readings of the works. The seduction of the image tempts everyone and offers endless possibilities to capture new audiences and play with the fantasy of fiction. At the same time, it contains an accessible language and is an excellent way to recreate what has never been seen, what is not known or what has never existed.

Kandinsky, designs for “Der Blaue Reiter” almanac, 1911 (image from ©sammlungonline.lenbachhaus.de)

Frame from the film “Double jeopardy”, 1999.

Within this path of "meta-art", we bring you some examples of films that refer to other pieces of art, not necessarily in films dedicated to the life of artists, as well as productions made by creators that ridicule the media impact of cinema itself. This is, for example, the type of work that characterises Banksy and his piece "Exit through the gift shop", a film of the genre "false documentary" that ironises about the artist's own work and has been able to generate curious spin-off beyond the work itself. So it has happened with Mr Brainwash, a sort of Banksy’s alter ego in the film, who has become an internationally renowned pop-contemporary artist.

We remind you that CaixaForum Madrid is projecting this piece within a cycle of "Art and Cinema", on Friday 29th at 7 pm.

Art Madrid’26 presents One Shot Collectors, a program sponsored by One Shot Hotels that returns to the fair -now in its sixth edition- with the goal of making contemporary art collecting more accessible and encouraging new and established collectors alike. The initiative is designed to support both art professionals and new audiences interested in starting or strengthening a collection by providing tools, knowledge, and specialized guidance.

One Shot Collectors promotes an informed and approachable way of acquiring artworks, understanding collecting as a process that requires discernment, context, and time. The program serves as a bridge between the public and the artworks presented at the fair, fostering a confident and well-informed relationship with the art market.

The program is directed by Ana Suárez Gisbert, an art advisor with extensive experience in the art market. Her background includes artwork valuation and appraisal, as well as personalized advisory services throughout the acquisition process, helping participants identify works that align with their interests, budget, and goals. Her approach combines technical rigor with a strong commitment to best practices and sustainability within the art ecosystem.

Art collecting goes beyond the purchase of a single work. It involves an intellectual, aesthetic, and personal journey that connects collectors with the artist’s context, discourse, and creative process. Building a collection means developing a personal point of view, making informed decisions, and allowing the collection to evolve coherently over time, guided by enjoyment and confidence in one’s own taste.

So how do we decide where to focus and how to move forward? Where do we begin? How does one purchase connect to the next? A successful acquisition comes from following personal interests, learning to recognize what truly resonates with us, and staying informed before and throughout the process.

During Art Madrid’26, One Shot Collectors offered a personalized advisory service tailored to different profiles: established collectors, individuals acquiring their first artwork, and companies interested in developing collections aligned with their values and brand identity. The program adapts to a wide range of needs and offers customized tours of the fair based on aesthetic, conceptual, and budget considerations.

Our Art Advisor prepares a curated selection of artworks according to each buyer’s criteria and provides support throughout the negotiation process, offering a professional and strategic perspective. In this way, collecting becomes an informed, coherent, and rewarding experience.

Beginning a collection may stem from a desire for knowledge and aesthetic, social, economic, or even corporate exploration. At Art Madrid, we encourage collecting among individuals and companies interested in patronage and investment. This initiative is aimed at both professionals and contemporary art enthusiasts who wish to start or continue building a collection. Art Madrid presents a wide variety of works across disciplines such as photography, painting, sculpture, and installation, spanning a broad range of price points.

Whether you are an experienced collector, a first-time buyer, or a company seeking to express its values through art, the One Shot Collectors program offers a comprehensive experience.

ABOUT ONE SHOT HOTELS. SPONSOR OF ART MADRID

One Shot Hotels is a collection of 14 boutique hotels set in some of the most desirable locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, San Sebastián, and Porto. In 2026, the brand will expand its presence with new openings in three additional destinations: Ibiza, Lisbon, and Bilbao. Each property embodies a strong commitment to design, creativity, and aesthetics, seamlessly weaving art and culture into every space.

More than places to stay, One Shot Hotels are destinations with soul. Every interior reflects artistic sensitivity and an uncompromising attention to detail, offering guests a memorable experience where comfort, style, and culture coexist effortlessly. A spirit of closeness, innovation, and a deep passion for the arts defines the brand’s identity and shapes the way it connects people with the creative essence of each city it inhabits.

Through initiatives such as One Shot Collectors, the hotel group brings art and culture closer to both guests and visitors, fostering meaningful connections between its hotel spaces and the creative pulse of each destination.

ABOUT ANA SUÁREZ GISBERT. PROGRAM ART ADVISOR

Ana Suárez Gisbert holds a law degree from Complutense University of Madrid, with a specialization in international law and the international trade of artworks. She is a certified art and antiques appraiser and court-appointed expert through Antonio de Nebrija University, and a partner at the art appraisal firm Art Value Project.

She has carried out appraisal work for major collections and insurance companies and has represented leading international publications in the fields of art and design, including Frieze, Frieze Masters, and Gagosian. She currently combines her work at the appraisal firm with an art and sustainability project for private companies and municipal institutions

The advisory service is part of Art Madrid’26 One Shot Collectors Program and is completely free for participants who register in advance. To receive personalized advice, please request more information at vip@art-madrid.com or register using the following form: