JAÉN. Spain.
In the exhibition hall of the Zabaleta building at the University of Jaen, from March 12 to April 19, there is an exhibition of the paintings of Magar, which is the stage name of Maria Garcia. The exhibit has been a recognition and honor by the University of Jaén.
Pigeons of peaceA team made up of Isabel Moreno, Director of the Secretariat of the UJA Cultural Activities; Teresa Ortega, admirer and student of the work of Magar; and Nicolas Sanchez, organized this fitting tribute.
In the presentation of the exhibition brochure, Dr. Manuel Parras, Rector of the University of Jaén, praises the courage of this woman who has broken boundaries, saying: "MAGAR is Maria Garcia, woman, artist and native of Jaen, who lived and worked at a time when being an artist and being a woman was still something special, and even more so in provinces".
 MAGAR in her studio |
 Presiding Table |
 MAGAR Exhibition |
 MAGAR's family |
Born in 1928, she began her artistic training in 1951 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary School of Fine Arts in Seville. Does this decision have something to do with Josefa Segovia with whom she had a special relationship as a child?
When she completed her Fine Arts degree she "needed to drink the new art that was done in Europe," says Teresa Ortega, "Magar lived 30 years within an atmosphere of Parisian art and spent some other years in Belgium and Rome, always painting, sculpting and dedicated to teaching. She was a non-conformist woman, ahead of her time, who placed her training and creativity before that which was expected of a woman".
 I am a priest of Christ |
 Cardinal Newman |
In 1989 she returned to Jaén, where she did not find the Parisian atmosphere she had left. Soon she created an artistic circle, making new friends. Since then until now at 85 she continues capturing on paper and canvas, with firm strokes, her artistic inspiration. Her last painting, PEACE pigeons, reflects this. Her work has been presented and recognized in numerous exhibitions.
The paintings of Jaén are dominated almost exclusively by men. Magar is considered a pioneer providing high value to the artistic production of the 20th century. The organizers tell us that we will soon see a broader exhibition of her work, as Magar deserves. Her artistic production is spread throughout the world, especially in Europe.
She is passionate about the human figure. "Her creatures, says Viribay, are illuminated by the force of a creative hunch while showing much care in the materials used". Hands are special characteristics of her figures. "Her painting style is expressionistic where the relationship between background, figure and color are interrelated seeking a formal synthesis capable of expressing their emotions" (T. Ortega).She uses mainly oil and she highlights portraits. Two of her last works of large dimensions are placed in prime locations: Picture of Saint Pedro Poveda in the Cathedral of Jaén, and the portrait of Cardinal Newman in the Newman House, of the National University in Dublin.
Detail of a Peace pigeonThe exhibition has two parts. One of oil paintings, and another of drawings of female nudes using basically dry coal, sanguine and sepia. They reflect the formal beauty of the nude with spirituality free of a voluptuous sensuality.At one point during the event Magar said: "Exhibiting part of my work at the University of Jaén makes me very happy because it is my homeland and because I am recognized by the highest authorities in my city. My sincere gratitude to all. Thank you!”
By Lucrecia Pareja Luque
Translation: Guillermina Damas