Manolo Millares, one of the most prominent Spanish artists of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the history of contemporary art. His unique artistic journey and his innovative approach to artistic creation have made him an icon of the Informalist movement and a pioneer in the exploration of unconventional materials. Throughout his career, Manolo Millares expressed deep emotions, challenged stylistic conventions and addressed impactful themes, from the anguish of the Spanish Civil War to universal existential questions. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Manolo Millares, highlighting his distinctive characteristics and the lasting impact he has had on contemporary art.
What was Manolo Millares' journey?
The Spanish artist Manolo Millares, born in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, in 1926, had an artistic career marked by notable evolution throughout his career. Initially self-taught, he began his artistic career focusing on watercolors of landscapes, reflecting a more traditional influence in his early works.
However, the 1950s marked a turning point in his career. Manolo Millares began a series of works entitled "Canary Pictograms" (1951-1952), introducing elements such as sand, pieces of raffia and ceramic fragments. These works were influenced by his research into Canarian culture and anthropology, revealing his interest in finding a collective dimension in his art.
Furthermore, Manolo Millares played a fundamental role in founding the LADAC group (Los Arqueros del Arte Contemporáneo) in 1950, an initiative aimed at renewing artistic languages in their roots in the Canary Islands.
In 1955, Manolo Millares moved to Madrid, where he became part of the El Paso group (1957-1960). With other notable artists such as Antonio Saura, Rafael Canogar, Luis Feito Lotpez and Pablo Serrano, sought a new aesthetic relevant to the post-war era and the Spanish context. It was during this period that he embraced informalism as his predominant style, exploring materials such as burlap (arpillera), ropes and tar. His approach transformed these materials into essential elements of his works, symbolizing the crisis in the conventional support of painting.
One of Manolo Millares' most iconic series was "Homunculi," which he began in 1960. In that series, he created abstract shapes that often resembled human figures, alluding to the idea of death and the grave.
Later in his career, around 1970-1971, Manolo Millares began to incorporate objects, such as fabrics and shoes, into his works, representing the anonymous and universal subject who was the protagonist of his art.
At a later stage, he reintroduced writing into his works, developing a unique calligraphy and adding more hermetic elements to his works. Manolo Millares left a lasting mark on the history of Spanish and international art, contributing significantly to the Informalism movement and exploring unconventional materials in his relentless search for artistic expression and deep meaning in his works. His artistic evolution throughout his career reflects a constant search for innovation and authenticity in his art.
What are the characteristics of Manolo Millares' works?
Innovative Materials: Manolo Millares is known for his use of unconventional materials in his works. He often used burlap (arpillera), ropes, tar and other found materials. Burlap, in particular, played a fundamental role in his creations, stretched, sewn, torn and mended to create unique textures and reliefs.
Texture and Three-Dimensionality: The intense manipulation of materials in his works resulted in a rich, three-dimensional texture. His canvases often feature cavities, tears and areas that have been stitched together, creating a sense of depth and physical presence.
Spontaneous Gesture: Manolo Millares adopted a gestural and spontaneous approach to his paintings. His brushstrokes, generally in shades of black, white and red, are full of emotion and expressiveness. Drips and splashes of paint are common in his works, adding dynamism and energy.
Abstraction and Symbolism: Although his works are often abstract, they often suggest organic forms and, in particular, anthropomorphic forms that he called "Homunculi." These shapes can evoke feelings of vulnerability, pain and death.
References to Canarian Culture: His series of "Canary Pictograms" and use of burlap also reflect his roots in the Canary Islands and his research into Canarian culture and anthropology. Elements such as sand and ceramic fragments incorporated in his works refer to this cultural influence.
Commitment to Expression and Politics: Manolo Millares saw art as a way of expressing emotions and as a response to the political and social events of his time, particularly the Spanish Civil War and the Franco dictatorship. His works often express a sense of anguish and protest.
Artistic Evolution: Throughout his career, Manolo Millares went through different phases, exploring different themes and techniques. His work evolved from initial landscapes to the intense use of materials and an increasingly symbolic and material approach.
Manolo Millares' works are highly personal and emotional, incorporating cultural and political elements into a unique aesthetic. His contribution to the Informalist movement is notable and his creations continue to be appreciated for their expressiveness and innovation in contemporary art.
What is the impact of Manolo Millares on contemporary art?
Informalism: Manolo Millares played a key role in the development of the Informalist movement in Spain. His material and gestural approach to painting contributed to the expansion of Informalism as an important artistic current, which emphasizes formal experimentation and emotional expression.
Materials Innovation: Manolo Millares is known for his creative use of unconventional materials such as burlap, rope and tar. This exploration of materials influenced other artists to think beyond traditional painting supports and consider the three-dimensional dimension of their works.
Texture and Three-Dimensionality: The rich, three-dimensional texture in his works has inspired many artists to explore the materiality of art, creating pieces that engage the viewer in a tactile and sensorial way.
Expressive Abstraction: His abstract and gestural paintings conveyed deep emotion and anguish, reflecting the impact of the Spanish Civil War and the Franco dictatorship. This emotional expression influenced artists who sought to communicate personal and social feelings through their art.
Exploration of Deep Themes: Manolo Millares often addressed profound themes, such as death, human fragility and political oppression. His willingness to explore existential and political questions inspired other artists to engage with similarly challenging themes in their works.
Commitment to Art as Protest: Manolo Millares saw art as a form of protest and expression of his political convictions. This commitment has inspired artists to use their art as a means of protest and awareness.
Contribution to Spanish Art: Manolo Millares is widely considered a key figure in the post-war renewal of Spanish art. He played an important role in the creation of the El Paso group, which sought to revitalize the Spanish artistic tradition and his influence extended to other Spanish artists.
Manolo Millares' impact on contemporary art is rooted in his unique approach to artistic creation, his commitment to emotional expression and his ability to explore profound issues through his works. His influence continues to resonate with a variety of artists who find inspiration in his innovation and authenticity.
