40th Anniversary of the 20th Century Art Collection
03.11.2017
The 20th Century Art Collection was donated by Alicante-born artist Eusebio Sempere to the city of Alicante to inaugurate the Museum of La Asegurada on November 5, 1977, one of the first contemporary art museums in Spain. That was 40 years ago now. Founding a museum in the midst of democratic transition was a political act in itself: Sempere's was an attitude and a conviction. Donating his private collection was a consequence of a deep commitment to contemporary art. An act of extremely generous faith that on that day brought together the most important artistic personalities alongside a Sempere brimming with conviction about the transcendence of his gesture. Today, the 20th Century Art Collection constitutes the basic pillar of MACA, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante. An excellent collection, with international scope, coherent and effective, which holds the best works by the protagonists of almost all artistic trends of 20th century art. It is composed of 177 works by 117 artists including paintings, sculptures, drawings and graphic works that have been shown, throughout history and for various reasons, in a fragmentary manner. Never before had it been shown complete at the same time. And this 40th anniversary is a good reason for it. Occupying the Ground Floor and the First Floor we can discover the great importance of this 20th Century Art Collection. The 177 pieces, the 117 artists with the same objective as its founder: to facilitate public access to contemporary art. More information in the complete note.
The 20th Century Art Collection was donated by the Alicante artist Eusebio Sempere to the city of Alicante to inaugurate the La Asegurada Museum on November 5, 1977, one of the first contemporary art museums in Spain. That was 40 years ago. Founding a museum during the democratic transition was a political act in itself: for Sempere, it was an attitude and a conviction. Donating his private collection stemmed from a profound commitment to contemporary art. It was an extremely generous act of faith that brought together the most important artistic figures that day, along with a Sempere brimming with pride, convinced of the significance of his gesture.Today, the 20th Century Art Collection forms the cornerstone of the MACA - Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante. An excellent collection, with an international focus, coherent and effective, it houses the finest works by the leading figures of almost every artistic movement of the 20th century. It comprises 177 works by 117 artists, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, which have been exhibited piecemeal throughout history for various reasons.Never before has the entire collection been displayed at once. And this 40th anniversary is a fitting occasion. Occupying the Ground and First Floors, we can discover the immense importance of this 20th Century Art Collection. The 177 pieces, the 117 artists, share the same objective as its founder: to facilitate public access to contemporary art.
