Miguel Calatayud traced a short history of Spanish illustration and later named a new exhibition hall and cultural center in his hometown, Aspense, Aspe. The venue opened with a guided tour of his work, a centerpiece that anchors the exhibition. Over more than five decades, his artwork appeared in numerous publications.
Three times winner of the National Illustration Award, including recognitions in 1989 and 1991 for children’s books, Calatayud remained active at eighty-one. He authored and co-authored a substantial body of work, with more than sixty books attributed to him as sole author and another twenty-five in collaboration. The art critic recalls a clear-line universe defined by geometric shapes and bold colors. A selection of his drawings appears in an exhibition catalog alongside works from the gallery’s collection, and many of the little books have been enlarged for display so visitors can appreciate minute details. The show is open to the public until 23 July at the La Coca cultural center in Aspe Park, inviting visitors to revisit the artist’s influential career.
This work was created for print, and these are reproductions rather than the originals. There is no fetishization of the printed form; the drawings play with scale, making tiny details surprisingly compelling. The on-view pieces come from works published over the years, many of which have seen renewed editions recently, signaling their lasting relevance and contemporary appeal.
An award that promotes illustration
Books such as Philomena, Philomena! (1977) and M’Alices’ Book (1992) earned top honors for child and youth illustration, with texts by Michael Obiols. These works have been reissued by publishing houses that champion Calatayud’s distinctive line. Other titles, like Columbetabook Island (1990), were brought back into print byAnaya in 2021, which also acts as editor. Calatayud’s world is marked by clear, geometric lines and vibrant hues; other pieces reveal connections to writers like Octavio Ferrero and Carlos Pérez, with some entries tied to journeys by bus and other everyday scenes. The overall impression is a coherent, optimistic visual language that remains accessible and engaging across generations.
“I will have accomplished something meaningful in life when the books are reprinted again,” Calatayud is quoted as saying, noting the joy of returning to Aspe after years in Valencia and inaugurating the hall with a first show that promises further exhibitions after the summer.
reward with your name
Aspe’s city council partnered with the publishing house this year to launch a new prize named in Calatayud’s honor, aimed at encouraging picture-book creativity. The award carries a substantial sum of 6,000 euros and will be decided on Book Day, April 23.
A call issued in late March attracted diverse proposals from across Spain and beyond. Nineteen finalists were shortlisted, with contributions from many talented writers and illustrators who will gain visibility through this inaugural edition.
Looking ahead, Calatayud is slated to participate in a landmark exhibition at the Center del Carme in Valencia. The show will explore watercolors and personal documents, presented in dialogue with work by Carlos Pérez at the Wellington Foundation level of study.
[Citations: Exhibitions and awards related to Miguel Calatayud, local cultural initiatives in Aspe and Valencia, and publisher reissues across recent decades.]