Equipo Crónica.
Works of the artist.
Equipo Crónica was an artistic group created in 1964 by Spanish artists Rafael Solbes, Manolo Valdés, and Juan Antonio Toledo, although the latter left the group two years later. Their work emerged during a critical sociopolitical period, as Spain experienced the last phase of its long-lasting dictatorship and embarked on its transition toward becoming a democratic state. [+]
Equipo Crónica
Equipo Crónica was an artistic group created in 1964 by Spanish artists Rafael Solbes, Manolo Valdés, and Juan Antonio Toledo, although the latter left the group two years later. Their work emerged during a critical sociopolitical period, as Spain experienced the last phase of its long-lasting dictatorship and embarked on its transition toward becoming a democratic state. By appropriating and recontextualizing images from the media and pop culture, the group explored the renowned American movement known as “pop art” while refuting “informalism”, a style dominated by various artists at the time. Their artworks, often inspired by classical works such as Guernica by Picasso or Las Meninas by Velázquez, questioned the current political state of the country as well as the current art historical narrative through humor, irony, and satire.
The collective participated in various exhibitions throughout the second half of the 20th century. Their first-ever exhibition at Galería Alfin in Madrid in 1967 determined their successful artistic career for the next two decades. While, in 1989 the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía curated a profoundly influential retrospective showcasing the group’s entire artistic journey, from their earliest works to their final creations in the early 80s.
After the death of Rafael Solves in 1981, the group was no longer active. Even though they had a short run, Equipo Crónica left a significant legacy in the history of Spanish art, introducing a fresh and provocative focus that would become a source of influence for the future generation of artists.
The works of Equipo Crónica can be found in various important collections such as the one from the Contemporary Museum of Barcelona, the Valencian Institute of Modern Art, the Suñol Foundation, the Bank of Spain, or the bank BBVA.
