It started in 1946. I was 23 years old and took his first steps into the art world. And it ended in 1981, four years before he died. This journey, which represents almost the entirety of his creative career, was recorded by Eusebio Sempere (1923-1985) between 1923 and 1985. six albums turned into a kind of artistic diaries that he left testimonies in press clippings, catalogues, documents, invitations or posters regarding his exhibitions throughout these years.
These six “books” They are part of the Sempere fundIt is in the hands of the Fundación Mediterráneo, thanks to the generosity of Abel Martín, who initiated the restoration and digitization process to make it available to scholars on the occasion of the Year of Sempere, commemorating the centenary of the artist from Onil.
These ongoing studies about four monthsIt will allow the preservation and dissemination of the personal testimonies of this artist, who is considered one of the greatest representatives of kinetic art in Spain.
In this way it is intended Confronting the figure of Sempere from another perspectivenot only through his work, but also through his chosen personal documents, a document that records not only what he did throughout his career, but also what was going on in the art world at the time, as well as how Spanish art was valued abroad.
restoration process
Restoring albums is a critical step in ensuring the long-term preservation of these unique pieces. Because it’s paper be exposed to the distortion of different evaluationsProblems ranging from scratches on the covers to problems of use over the years. That’s why Fundación Mediterráneo sought dedicated experts. a minimally invasive restoration processto ensure that each album is preserved in its original authenticity.
The digitization of this collection is carried out through a meticulous process that ensures the integrity and quality of each piece. Once completed, the archive description of all documentary units will be available at: Mediterranean Foundation Documentary ArchiveIt allows researchers, students and art lovers to access this priceless treasure.
The initiative aims not only to preserve history and culture, but also to To expand knowledge about Eusebio Sempere, a pioneer in the use of art and technology and its influence on Spanish art and its representation abroad.
In this sense, Carmen Velasco, responsible for Art and Documentary Heritage of the Akdeniz FoundationHe assures that it is about “all lovers of art and history experiencing the rich legacy that Eusebio Sempere left to future generations through his personal and artistic archive, soon to be fully accessible through our website.”
Albums
they are around thousand documents This includes six albums. The first, covering the period from 1946 to 1956, It contains 215 entries, including catalogs of important exhibitions such as Sala Mateu (1949) and the collective exhibition. Lolo Soldevilla (1954) in Valencia and At the College of Spain, Paris (1955 and 1956) and Salones de Réálites Nouvelles (1950 and 1956).
Album number 2 collects documents regarding: Between 1955 and 1961, up to 220 testimonials in total. These include articles such as: E. Three notes on Sempere, By Aguilera CerniIt was published in Arte vivo in January 1959.
Inside Third album between 1960 and 1966620 records are protected by programs that attract great attention such as. Juana Mordo Gallery (1965), Sào Paulo and Venice biennialsmagazine articles on design, fashion and decoration of the period and press clippings documenting important cultural events in the artist’s life; Creating the decoration for the shop windows of El Corte Inglés (1963), under the title useless machines.
In the same direction, the 4th Album (1966-1969), consisting of 420 documents together with programs and press clippings; 5 (1968-1975), with 1,000, and 6 (1975-1981), with 320. News published in INFORMACIÓN newspaper About Sempere’s donation to the city of Alicante and the opening of the museum Insured Museum It was created to house this collection.
Luis Boyer, President of the Mediterranean Foundation, “We continue to commemorate the centennial of Eusebio Sempere through a new project to restore and digitize the artist’s personal and artistic albums.” Additionally, he adds, “publishing their correspondence and digitizing their photo albums,” two other projects launched this Year of Sempere.
Photo archive containing more than 200 images and 543 letters
Sempere’s six personal albums are not the only “jewels” the company values. Mediterranean Foundation. He also has custody photo archive and letters they are also part of this documentary recovery project.
Onil artist’s photography collection consists of: more than two hundred pictures creates a visual testimony of his life, work, and professional and personal relationships. Digitizing and archiving this collection, a visual immersion in the important moments of your life, From his childhood in Onil with his family to his education in Valencia, from his years in Paris to his consolidation in Spain. The images capture moments with family, friends, fellow artists and intellectuals, and even Moorish dress at parties. All of this provides a unique perspective on his life and work. The restoration process has already been started.
Another striking part of the fund is letter section Sempere containing the total 543 records these have already been catalogued. This document not only includes: letters, but also postcards and telegrams.
These letters allow us to offer an intimate look into the artist’s personal and professional life, revealing his emotional relationships with friends and family, as well as his artistic dealings and time in the goings-on. You can find everything from everyday postcards to correspondence with major cultural figures. Alfons Roig, Chillida or Aguilera Cerni. This project aims to publish and promote the richness and depth of these documents, providing a broader overview of his life, his influences and his connections to the art world.