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Presentation of a painting of the Virgin of Pilar at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza to the Director, His Excellency General Prudencio Horche

Dr. José Manuel Cardiel has received one of the city's most prestigious awards: the title of Exemplary Citizen of Zaragoza, bestowed by the Zaragoza City Council in its 2025 edition. This award, presented for the first time during the San Valero festivities instead of the Pilar Festival, recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to the social, cultural, or professional well-being of the Aragonese capital. A Career of Medical Excellence and Community Service: Cardiel, a graduate in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Zaragoza (1981) and a specialist in Stomatology from the Complutense University of Madrid (1984), has dedicated four decades to clinical practice. With a private practice in Zaragoza since 1984, he combined his work with service in the Armed Forces until 1999. Currently, he is part of the General and Digestive Surgery team at Quirón Hospital, where he continues to apply his expertise. His work as the author of two medical texts – Manual of Oral Pathology and Health and Oral Disease and Pediatric Dentistry Treatment – reflects his commitment to scientific dissemination. Commitment beyond medicine. In addition to his healthcare work, Cardiel is known for: Diplomacy: As Honorary Consul of Honduras in Aragon since 2013, he has strengthened international ties. Sports: Spanish Archery Champion in 1994, demonstrating dedication and discipline. Solidarity: His work in

The exhibition “Cardiel in Pollock’s Mirror,” which took place at the Espacio Caja Rural de Aragón from September 11 to October 31, 2024, has concluded with an extraordinarily positive balance. The show, which fused the world of medicine with abstract expressionism, attracted more than 5,000 visitors during its seven-week run. Exhibition highlights Works and techniques The exhibition featured 30 works by Dr. José Manuel Cardiel, a maxillofacial surgeon and artist. The pieces, created between 2020 and 2024, explored various techniques inspired by Jackson Pollock’s action painting: Dripping: Used in works such as “Primitive Ritual” (2022). Pouring: Applied in “Ukraine in Flames” (2023). Use of medical instruments such as spatulas and syringes to apply paint. Themes Covered Cardiel managed to transcend pure abstraction, incorporating social and emotional references into his canvases. Some notable works included: «The Silenced Scream» (2024): A powerful reflection on gender violence. «Biomorfosis» (2021): Exploration of human fragility through organic strokes. Impact and Reception The exhibition not only attracted art lovers, but also medical professionals interested in the intersection between science and creativity. The guided tours on Thursdays were especially popular.

The exhibition Under the protection of our Virgin of Pilar, by the artist José Manuel Cardiel, transformed the Espacio Recoveco of the Grupo San Valero Building (plaza de Santa Cruz, s/n) into a dialogue between religious tradition and abstract expressionism during October 2024. Organised by Cultura USJ as part of the Fiestas del Pilar, the exhibition combined technical innovation and spiritual symbolism. Key details Works: Three acrylic pieces that reinterpret the silhouette of the Virgen del Pilar through gestural strokes and superimposed layers, avoiding literal representations.Techniques: Use of dripping and spatulas to create dynamic textures, characteristic of the abstract expressionist style.Opening hours: Free admission from Monday to Friday (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.), integrating the exhibition into the cultural agenda of the festivities. Artistic proposal and meaning Cardiel approached Marian iconography from a contemporary perspective, using vibrant colours and organic forms that evoked both the Virgin's mantle and the spiritual energy of Zaragoza. The works, without a specific title, prioritised emotional abstraction over figuration, inviting a personal reflection on Pilarist devotion. Context and relevance The exhibition was part of the Espacio en Blanco programme of USJ Culture, which promotes artistic projects linked to Aragonese heritage.