The exhibition Under the protection of our Virgin of Pilar, from the artist Jose Manuel Cardiel, transformed during October 2024 the Recoveco Space of the Grupo San Valero Building (Plaza de Santa Cruz, s/n) in a dialogue between religious tradition and abstract expressionism. Organized by USJ Culture 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 Virgin of Pilar through gestural strokes and superimposed layers, avoiding literal representations.
Techniques: Use of dripping (controlled dripping) and spatulas to create dynamic textures, characteristic of the abstract expressionist style.
Schedule: 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 colors and organic shapes that evoked both the Virgin's mantle and the spiritual energy of Zaragoza. The works, without a specific title, prioritized the emotional abstraction on figuration, inviting a personal reflection on Pilarist devotion.
Context and relevance
The exhibition was part of the program Blank Space of USJ Culture, which promotes artistic projects linked to Aragonese heritage. Coinciding with the Fiestas del Pilar, the exhibition stood out for:
Innovation: Breaking with classical representations through avant-garde techniques.
Accessibility: Attracting both religious audiences and lovers of abstract art, with more than 1,500 recorded visits.
This proposal reinforced the role of art as a bridge between tradition and modernity, demonstrating that Pilar's devotion continues to inspire creations of contemporary relevance.
EN 
ES 
FR 