Art Madrid'25 – The invisible poetry between art and design

A common link between art and design is the creation of forms and expressions. If, on the one hand, art asks us questions, challenges us and encourages us to question all knowledge, design strives to offer us solutions to improve our daily lives, appealing to the functionality and usefulness of objects and materials that make our daily lives more comfortable.The boundaries that separate art from design are often very thin, but we are not really interested in talking about boundaries, on the contrary. Functionality and subjectivity can go hand in hand to build beautiful, delicate and sharp objects in their reflective expression. There is no doubt that, when art and design meet, they generate a strong link between creativity and material, becoming a useful tool to dissect the senses.

Perhaps artistic creation finds its referent in design, if we add a third element to this feedback from both sources: sustainability. The artists we present below work with the recovery of materials and their transformation into aesthetic objects. The conscience at work in the pieces of Idoia Cuesta (Donostia, 1969). Represented by the Arancha Osoro Gallery; Luz Moreno Pinart (Madrid, 1989). Represented by the CLC ARTE gallery; Lúcia David (Portugal, 1966). Represented by Trema Contemporary Art Gallery; and Cova Orgaz (Bilbao, 1983), represented by Bea Villamarín Gallery, is the result of the synthesis between tradition and innovation. They have in common, among other things, the intuitive and handmade production, the respect for resources and the time of creation. Their works are the result of a desire to slow down the pace of life through traditional methods that speak of their origins. And through these processes, each in its own way, they invite us to ask ourselves: How do we understand the time, the matter and the space in which we live?

Idoia Cuesta. Abyssal. Fishing line. Variable dimensions, 2023.

Idoia Cuesta is an artist who combines the processes of basket weaving and textile art. She uses artisanal techniques and organic materials to create pieces that reflect the identity of the raw material, and her working methodology is mainly inspired by rural environments and respect for the environment. The fibers that give corporeality to her pieces are insufflated with a healing vocation and the desire to build a personal story about the utility of the work of art in any context. In her sculptures are perceptible minimalist personality and sensory comfort, characteristics that result from the alchemy that generates the relationship between basketry and textile, and that goes beyond the simply contemplative to question how much humanity resides in the complexity of the material.

Luz Moreno Pinart. Momo hajimete saku. Papier, platre, 11x7x7cm. 2023.

Luz Moreno Pinart specializes in design, scenography and textile fibers. Her works have a strong sculptural character. The volume created by the fine strands of knotted paper transforms each piece into a kind of net that connects the emotional with the vitality of the elements. This is the impression that her woven works evoke when, in front of them, we recall the curious metaphor that everything in life happens? Our existence takes place in moments that we cherish, and the fragility of memories rests on each woven knot. In her installations, the color red - in its variable values - is a metaphor for the intensity with which the artist has lived each moment. Her works are experiments that have evolved - as a deliberate archaeology of the most deeply rooted domestic elements - projecting into the future a visual production that hybridizes the codes of design, art and craftsmanship in search of an

Lúcia David. Babel Tower. Mdf board, glue, newspapers, fabric, plastic, wire,15x15x18 cm, 2023.

Lúcia David works with performance, installation and sculpture, with a particular interest in artist's books and the textuality of the artwork. She integrates collage and stitching techniques in her creations. In her works, the artist tells the story of the women's condition, and in this journey, she recalls the collective history of the status of women in her native country. The paper, the effervescent pulp of letters and the second levels outline the sides of a needle that is both piercing and healing, with which the artist creates, writes, embroiders and perforates. All these actions in this order and with the impulse to rescue the traditions that the matriarchs of each family have handed down to generations and generations of daughters. In general, her work exalts the imperfection, the rudeness and the simplicity of the actions that take place in domestic spaces and that, over the years, have been transferred to public life. Silence takes the objects related to domestic activities into her hands, but in an attempt to raise the tone of those silent whispers, the artist pours on paper all the contained value that her predecessors also left her as an heritage.

Cova Orgaz. Blue pigeon. Polychrome cardboard nº 3, 29x33x20 cm, 2023.

Cova Orgaz has redefined creation in a risky and courageous way by using cardboard as the main material for her sculptures. Challenging its ephemeral character and difficult conservation, the artist has broken the rules to show that cardboard can be as appreciated in sculptural production as any other element. Her ability to master and be carried away by cardboard has been achieved through trial and error, but without giving up. As a result of her fruitful efforts, today she surprises us with a repertoire of endearing figurative sculptures of striking realism. There are some hands in the world that correct, others that censor and some that model in desire what, after so much work, becomes reality. In this way, Cova Orgaz's cardboard sculptures, as if they were about to come to life, elevate the material into a category as valuable as that of bronze, marble or wood. Her persistence has shown that true artistic skill goes beyond conventional materials, redefining new possibilities that can define a path for sustainable creation.

Idoia Cuesta. Abyssal. Fishing line. Variable dimensions, 2023.

In addition to fusing tradition and contemporaneity, these artists also emphasize the usefulness of virtue in creating works that position themselves in the face of certain gender issues, preserving domestic duties, questioning the established, and the value of seeing creation as a conscious practice committed to society. They have gone beyond the aesthetic, creating sensory experiences, interwoven stories, reunions with the collective memory and an obvious connection with the essence of life and nature. And the result is here: Works that, in addition to being beautiful in form, are powerful in the content they translate; they establish - with their own invisible poetics - a balance that is necessary to fulfill the task of walking on a fine line, where aesthetics and the utility of the object coexist in perfect harmony.

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.