Art Madrid'26 – GUSTAV METZGER \"ACT OR PERISH\"

Gustav Metzger. The Southbank Demonstration, London 1961 (1961). Foto: © Getty Images

 

 

Gustav Metzger (Nürnberg 1926), an artist and political activist, grew up surrounded by Nazi propaganda. His Judeo-Christian origins forced him to emigrate to England along with one of his brothers, the rest of his family did not suffer the same fate. This experience has always accompanied the works of Gustav. With a bitter and nostalgic flavor, the artist has always supported the extreme left by leading initiatives on the recovery of historical memory. For him protest art is a way of denouncing other aspects such as the extinction of species or the cultural diversity in which we find ourselves. The basis of his work is based on social foundations and change. On numerous occasions they have defined him as a visionary or even an advance for his time.

 

View of the exhibition

 

In this retrospective presented at MUSAC (Museum of contemporary art of León), the curator in charge of Dobrila Denegri and Pontus Kyander shows an aerial view on the trajectory of one of the best artists of the S.XX. The exhibition has works from 1940 to the present. Of course the most recurrent themes are the environmental and political commitment with artistic connotations. The ability to reflect his own convictions in works of art characterizes him. The exhibition is composed of a large number of documentary material extracted much of his personal archive.

 

 

View of the exhibition

 

 

It is the first time that a sample in Spain of this caliber on Gustav Metzger is realized, it narrates what have been his more marked transitions. He began doing painting and sculpture, from there he derived to destructive art and creative self. "Acting or perishing" refers to the political activism he defends against capitalism and the communicative state of art that has accompanied him throughout his career. Completing these documents, are exposed a series of historical photographs and large format facilities that made since the 90s.

 

Gustav Metzger. Liquid Crystal Environment

 

 

Gustav reflects in his work his ability to analyze the society of the moment and translate it into his works. He has always advocated radical movements. Inspired by these demonstrations, which suffered their greatest apogee after the Second World War, Futurism and Dadaism were great sources from which to absorb their knowledge. It was also present in the first visualization of the fluxus movement which contributed to forge that eclectic and futuristic personality. A must on any agenda if you are going to visit Leon.

 

 

 



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:





Patrocinador de ART MADRID'26

One Shot Hotels