Putting together the concepts "Hydroelectric power station" and "Work of art" in the same sentence can be certainly strange, even more, if finally, both elements come together in reality. This is the result of the work of Joaquín Vaquero Palacios, an architect, painter and sculptor who tackled some of the most ambitious projects on the Spanish scene.

Joaquín Vaquero Palacios, Miranda.

The ICO Museum hosts the exhibition "The beauty of the extraordinary", dedicated to the work of this multifaceted and multidisciplinary creator through five of his largest projects: the Asturian hydroelectric power stations of Salime (1945-1955), Miranda (1956- 62), Proaza (1964-68), Aboño (1969-1980) and Tanes (1980). All of them are the result of a collaboration for more than thirty years with the Cantabrian Hydroelectric Plant.

Joaquín Vaquero Palacios, Proaza.

But why do we talk about total work of art? Joaquín Vaquero was a prolific and ambitious author, obsessed with seeking and creating beauty with his work. His production is very extensive, and this was already the first obstacle to narrow the scope of the showing. Finally, a geographical criterion was chosen: bringing together the five projects developed in Asturias. Though, we are not only talking about an architectural approach to civil construction but a global conception of these structures, in which to combine various artistic disciplines and transform the space.

The Cantabrian Hydroelectric plant approached these projects from a completely innovative perspective for the time. It wanted to break the cold and exclusively functional idea associated with this type of constructions and turn them into a visible symbol of contemporary change, into a work of civil engineering that would bring together the best of artistic disciplines. This totalising effort gathered painting, sculpture, architecture, landscaping, sound, industrial design.

Joaquín Vaquero Palacios, Tanes

The exhibition recreates the artistic richness of these projects with an exhibition design that moves away from the purely architectural approach to emphasise the visual load of the projects. Do not forget that these huge constructions are today a testimony of the peninsular modernism, a style that is appreciated inside and outside every room and that nourished by an unstoppable creative pulse like that of Vaquero Palacios. The exhibition will be open to the public until May 6th.

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.