The art world converges on Madrid as a prestigious contemporary art award continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression. The Catalina D’Anglade Prize, an initiative that has become a cornerstone of ARCOmadrid, has once again recognized a promising talent who challenges traditional artistic boundaries.
This year’s recipient, Álvaro Urbano, represents a new generation of Spanish artists whose work transcends conventional artistic categories. Urbano’s artistic practice is described as an “archeology of desires and past intentions,” creating immersive atmospheres that explore narratives embedded in architectural spaces. His approach is deeply interdisciplinary, borrowing strategies from theater and filmmaking to generate complex, multilayered artistic experiences.
The artist’s site-responsive practice involves excavating narratives from built environments, using different media to create situations that approach liminal and dreamlike dimensions. Urbano transforms exhibition spaces into vessels of imagination, challenging viewers’ perceptions of reality and memory.
The Catalina D’Anglade Prize is more than a traditional art award. It consists of two distinct phases: first, the acquisition of an exhibited artwork, and second, the development of a new project that bridges art and design, aimed at introducing contemporary art to broader audiences. This unique approach has made the prize a significant platform for emerging artistic talent.
Urbano’s artistic influences are eclectic, drawing inspiration from figures like Federico García Lorca, Luis Barragán, and Oscar Wilde. His work often explores the “what-if” scenario, unearthing hidden narratives from modernist and contemporary spaces. The artist’s background in interior architecture informs his nuanced approach to spatial representation.
His artistic credentials are impressive, with exhibitions at prestigious venues including SculptureCenter in New York, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, and La Casa Encendida in Madrid. His work is part of significant collections, including the Hamburger Bahnhof Collection in Berlin and the Museo Jumex in Mexico City.
The prize continues a tradition of supporting innovative Spanish artists, with previous winners including Susana Solano, Ester Partegàs, and June Crespo. Each artist has used the opportunity to explore the intersection of art and design, creating works that challenge traditional artistic boundaries.
Urbano currently lives and works between Berlin and Paris, reflecting the increasingly international nature of contemporary Spanish art. His winning piece, VEINS, exemplifies his approach of creating immersive, atmospheric works that blur the lines between architecture, performance, and visual art.
The Catalina D’Anglade Prize remains a critical platform for contemporary artistic expression, continuing to support and showcase the innovative spirit of Spanish art on the international stage.
