Art Madrid'25 – DAVID SALLE IMPACTS AT CAC

Fishing, 1998 oil and acrylic on canvas and linen 64 x 96 inches. Art © David Salle / Licensed by Vaga, NY, NY. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

 

David Salle (Norman, Oklahoma, 1952), he is a very eclectic American artist. He has experimented with various artistic currents. He is credited with glimpses of Neo-Expressionism, Simulationism, Bad Painting, or New Image Painting, but, Salle is more than all that. After beginning in a avant-garde art of mid-century, he put aside the avant-gardes and went his own way. The artist, decided to combine all his environment and capture it in his work, towards the end of the 70 begins to merge works and techniques in image and video. This will result in his style personal and defined.

 

One of his first jobs was in a pornographic magazine, from there comes all that eroticism and sensuality that impregnate his works. A man without coveralls and with a certain naive air, he is able to show the two sides of the coin. The ironic and self-critical style is appreciated through this game of overlapping images.

 

 

David Salle, Yellow Fellow, 2015. Oil, acrylic, silk-screen printing ink, wax and digital printing on linen. 78 "x 108". Courtesy of Skarstedt, Copyright David Salle, VAGA License

 

 

"Inspired by true-life events" has 32 paintings dating back to 1992. The exhibition is divided into two sections marked a more introspective and sober, Silver Paintings, which according to the artist are a "forced juxtaposition" show monochrome photographs with a Only members, embodied in a canvas. The other part, more colorful and vibrant, Late product paintings, show us a representation of pop culture elevated to maximum power, its references to the 50s and 60s transpose us into a more personal and almost unitary language.

 

 

David Salle, Silver 1, 2014. Pigment on linen. 84 "x 60". Courtesy of Skarstedt, Copyright David Salle, VAGA License

 

 

The set of pop images is a part of its essence as it coexisted with this popular aesthetic. It may sound strange that these two exhibitions are joined in the CAC, but they really are the perfect complement. The artist denied the idea that they were created to expose themselves together, but what is undoubtedly the magnificent articulation they form in the same context.

 

 

Photo of the exhibition

 

 

Large formats that suggest a lot of emotions are part of this imagery created by the artist. Mix of provocative elements, words, objects and of course culture are the keys to the success of this great exhibition that is about to end. The exhibition ends December 4 so do not miss this great opportunity to enjoy an art loaded with emotion and dynamism.

 

 

 

Are you a contemporary art gallery and would like to participate in Art Madrid'26? The application period is now open!

The 21st edition of Art Madrid opens its application period. From March 4 to 8, 2026, the Galería de Cristal del Palacio de Cibeles will once again be the meeting point for national and international contemporary art. If you are a contemporary art gallery, this is your chance to be part of one of the most consolidated fairs in the Spanish circuit. The deadline for applications will be open until October 17, 2025.


Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


The Art Madrid contemporary art fair has been taking place during the capital's Art Week for more than twenty years. Art Madrid is a multidisciplinary fair of new artistic trends with the participation of about 40 national and international galleries that work with painting, sculpture, graphic work, photography, installation and digital art of recent production.


Aimed at both a broad and specialized audience, the fair combines a carefully curated artistic selection with a strong commitment to the professionalization of the sector and the visibility of gallery work. In addition to its gallery program, Art Madrid also develops a parallel program of activities throughout the month of February, promoting dissemination, reflection, and dialogue among cultural agents, collectors, and new audiences.


Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


A key mission: to connect art with society

The fair's main mission is to bring contemporary art closer to the general and specialized public, creating an inclusive platform that promotes artistic talent, encourages collecting and strengthens the gallery ecosystem. The objective is clear: to disseminate art within and beyond our borders, generate new audiences and give visibility to young talents.


Art Madrid is a key event for the promotion and commercialization of both national and international contemporary art, placing the city in the spotlight during Art Week. At the same time, it remains committed to fostering a space for reflection and learning.


Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


PROGRAMS

GALLERY PROGRAM

In each edition, the Gallery Program of Art Madrid brings together about 40 exhibitors, both national and international, who present proposals focused on recently created contemporary artworks.


COLLECTOR’S PROGRAM

Art Madrid offers a specialized advisory service for galleries and the general public interested in acquiring artworks.


Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


PATRONAGE PROGRAM

Art Madrid develops a patronage program as part of its commitment to artistic creation and the promotion of collecting. Through different categories of awards, the fair contributes to the professional development of artists while encouraging the incorporation of contemporary works into prominent private collections. This program is made possible thanks to the commitment of collaborating entities, collectors, and private companies who, through their support, actively contribute to strengthening the cultural ecosystem and consolidating new forms of patronage.


ACQUISITION AWARD

Art Madrid joins forces with institutions and companies to support artistic creation and gallery work at the fair through the presentation of several awards.


EMERGING ARTIST AWARD

Our sponsors, as part of their commitment to promoting contemporary art, will provide an award to one of the emerging artists participating in the fair.


RESIDENCY AWARD

An award that will be given to one of the participating artists in this edition, intended for carrying out an artist residency.


Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


PARALLEL PROGRAM

The Parallel Program of Art Madrid serves as a platform for analysis, research, and critical thinking around contemporary issues. This line of programming incorporates cross-cutting discourses and interdisciplinary approaches that make it possible to address current challenges through artistic practice, curating, and cultural production.


ACTIVITIES

The program for Art Madrid’26 will include a series of activities taking place throughout the month of February and during Madrid Art Week at the Galería de Cristal of the Palacio de Cibeles. In this edition, in addition to the pre-fair activities, the third edition of Open Booth, the Performance Cycle, the program Lecturas: Curated Walkthroughs by Art Madrid, and the Interview Program will all be continued.


Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


A comprehensive communication ecosystem

With an audience of more than 110 million impacts in its last campaign, Art Madrid deploys a 360 strategy that includes traditional and digital media, social networks (with more than 113K followers), newsletter, and a 360 virtual tour. The fair is also committed to its own content with interviews, articles and curated tours accessible on its blog and digital platforms.


A key event in Madrid's cultural agenda

With an average visitor age between 35 and 54 years, 60% women, and 40% new collectors, Art Madrid establishes itself as a diverse, inclusive fair aligned with the interests of the contemporary audience.


[Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


Our commitment to art and culture extends throughout the year. We strive to broaden access for new audiences and foster interest in art and culture across all social sectors. We also aim to promote and give visibility to artists, with a special focus on emerging talent. We view art and culture as essential pillars of social development, and through our event, we work to create accessible, dynamic spaces that foster communication and cultural expression.


[Art Madrid '25. Contemporary Art Fair. 20th Edition, 2025. Photo by Lucas Amillano.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Applications for participation in the 21st edition of Art Madrid may be submitted to the following email address: info@art-madrid.com until October 17, 2025.