Painting a Better Present - Exhibition
Sala Naos - Santander. Spain
Angelina Gualdoni, Luo Brothers, Muntean/Rosenblum, Lisa Ruyter, Anton Henning, Merlin Carpenter, Fiona Rae, Tal R, Christian Ward, Erik Parker, Norbert Bisky, Dubossarsky & Vinogradov, Von Hellermann, Sophie, Paul Morrison, Hannah Dougherty and Allison Cortson.
-Text by Leo Koening-
During the spring of 2004 while visiting Barcelona for an exhibition, I was given the opportunity to spend time with Joaquin Diez-Cascon, a collector of whom I had encountered over the years at several art fairs. His persistent smile of contentment had always provoked my curiosity, however, the language barrier between us made communication difficult. Often times we relied on one of his three daughters, Marina to help translate. Slowly I discovered a friendship with this quiet man. After a few years of communicating through his daughter, I was really looking forward to spending more time with Joaquin.
During the spring of 2004 while visiting Barcelona for an exhibition, I was given the opportunity to spend time with Joaquin Diez-Cascon, a collector of whom I had encountered over the years at several art fairs. His persistent smile of contentment had always provoked my curiosity, however, the language barrier between us made communication difficult. Often times we relied on one of his three daughters, Marina to help translate. Slowly I discovered a friendship with this quiet man. After a few years of communicating through his daughter, I was really looking forward to spending more time with Joaquin.
Muntean Rosenblum and Alison Cortson paintings.
Erik Parker painting
When I first arrived we met for lunch. We compared notes on exhibitions we had seen, artworks of interest and settled on a couple of pieces we had earmarked. Joaquin shared his excitement for the grand opening of a new hotel he had just built. “Come to the party–– celebrate with us. Then, we will find the time to see each other tomorrow,” he said. Needless to say, Joaquin and his family showed their guest from New York a warm welcome to the city of Barcelona.
Dubossarsky & Vinogradov painting.
The following day, I once again find myself in the company of my gracious hosts. We slowly made our way through the streets, strolling through the city and exploring galleries. And as I recollect on this experience, one of the most notable aspects is the lack of conversation. This is by no means to neglect Marina’s attentiveness to maintaining the exchange of conversation by offering translation; however the sense of enjoyment I experienced needed no words. The special treatment I received made me feel like I was a part of their family.
Tal-R painting.
It was on this trip that I realized that my friendship to Joaquin resided in the same place as his quiet demeanor and smile –– through our love of contemporary art. I remember it as if it were yesterday when he turned to me and stated in broken English, “I like listening to you and seeing you so happy, we are both happy for the same reason … we have art in our lives.” This is more than an ode to avid art collector. This is a gesture of respect to a fellow enthusiast, someone who defines himself through art and whose art is defined through him. I salute you Joaquin, for being as authentic as you are my good friend, in art and life!
Alison Cortson painting
Fiona Rae painting
