Santos Iñurrieta de la Fuente (July 8, 1950 – December 10, 2023) was a Spanish painter known for his contributions to the Basque art scene and his focus on social and political themes. He was a significant figure in Basque contemporary art, especially during the 20th and 21st centuries.[1][2]
Santos Iñurrieta de la Fuente | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | July 8, 1950 Vitoria, Spain |
| Died | December 10, 2023 (aged 73) Mallorca, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Education | School of Arts and Crafts of Vitoria |
| Known for | Painting |
Early life and education
editIñurrieta was born in Vitoria, Spain, in 1950. He studied at the School of Arts and Crafts of Vitoria from 1964 to 1967, where he began developing his skills in painting.[3]
Artistic career
editIñurrieta started his artistic career with a focus on volumetric abstraction, using geometric forms and anthropomorphic elements. By the late 1970s, he was part of the influential Basque art exhibition "Erakusketa," which helped introduce Basque art to a broader Spanish audience.[4]
During the 1980s, after spending a year in Lanzarote, his style shifted to a more figurative approach, incorporating surrealism and symbolism. His later works often included ironic critiques of contemporary society, referencing esoteric and mythological themes.[5]
He was very active in the cultural network in Vitoria, he supported musicians, artists, actors film directors and his home and atelier became a meeting point for all forms of alternative creation.
He also designed album covers for bands and created posters for events such as the Vitoria International Jazz Festival.[6]
Life in Mallorca
editIn 1992, Iñurrieta moved to Mallorca, where his work took on a new direction influenced by the island’s atmosphere. His paintings are characterized by vibrant colors and elaborate imagery. His work becomes more argumentative, ironic, surreal, symbolist and scathing, a sharp criticism to modern society, with a deep load of irony highlighted by the extravagant and descriptive titols of his paintings.
His paintings are a visual celebration, he wants to tell stories within stories.
There are constant references to the world of art, these are a tribute to his most admired artists , not acts of plagiarism. He wishes to paint in total freedom and this means visiting the icons of modern painting.
He remained active in the art scene, exhibiting his work both in Spain and internationally until his death in 2023.[7]
Legacy
editIñurrieta’s work is included in several prominent art collections and museums, such as the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in Cuenca, and the Álava Provincial Museum in Vitoria.[8]
Exhibitions
editIñurrieta participated in numerous exhibitions throughout his career, including:
- 1978: "Erakusketa" – a traveling exhibition of Basque art.
- 1983: Solo exhibition at El Almacén Gallery, Lanzarote.[9]
- 2017: "Ke usted lo pase bien" – a major exhibition at the Artium Museum in Vitoria.[10]
Awards
editReferences
edit- ^ Artundo, Natxo (2023-12-10). "Muere a los 73 años el pintor vitoriano Santos Iñurrieta". El Correo (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ Frau, Joan (2023-12-11). "Mor als 73 anys Santos Iñurrieta, pintor basc afincat a Son Carrió". Diario de Mallorca (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ "Santos Iñurrieta". Fundación Faustino Orbegozo (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ "Iñurrieta de la Fuente, Santos | Colección". www.coleccionbbva.com. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ Fernández, Aránzazu (2014-06-26). "Arte contemporáneo entre tuneras". La Provincia - Diario de Las Palmas (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ "Todos los carteles del Festival de Jazz de Vitoria desde 1977 hasta 2019". El Correo (in Spanish). 2019-07-16. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ "Santos Iñurrieta. Ke usted lo pase bien". Artium Museum (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ "Iñurrieta de la Fuente, Santos | Colección". www.coleccionbbva.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ Fernández, Aránzazu (2014-06-26). "Arte contemporáneo entre tuneras". La Provincia - Diario de Las Palmas (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ "Santos Iñurrieta. Ke usted lo pase bien". Artium Museum (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ La Gaceta del Norte, January 10, 1973.
- ^ "Gure Artea 85".