The Atalaya-Ateneo Club of the Villa de Cieza celebrates the decision of the Governing Council of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia to award the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia to the visual artist José Lucas. This recognition, although late and posthumous, is nevertheless good news for all those who consider José Lucas to have been a key figure in the culture of our country.
Passionate about poetry, he painted a wide series of large-format portraits (now unpublished) of some of the main Spanish poets since the Generation of '27 (Aleixandre, Jorge Guillén, Rafael Alberti, among others).
The importance of José Lucas can also be explained through his work. Lucas broadened the scope of Spanish art in the 1970s. He expanded it and, at the same time, explored its history: his canvases were material and expressionist like those of Tàpies and the El Paso artists, but they were abrasive in color, had a volcanic character, and spoke of a world of fauns and lovers, obviously reminiscent of Picasso.
Outdoor work, the Paseo
Cieza's oldest cultural association has always admired José Lucas's work and criticized the neglect by successive municipal governments of his work in this municipality, the Paseo.
Lucas, who was invited to the 2023 Magical Film Week held last August, gave a very moving and applauded performance during the tribute to Paco Rabal and Asunción Balaguer. This was perhaps his last appearance at a public event.
From the Atalaya-Ateneo de la Villa Club, we would like to congratulate José Lucas's friends and family for this Gold Medal, which will surely pave the way for a succession of recognitions and tributes to the greatest artist this municipality has ever produced.