Todo está dicho
Opera Gallery Madrid is proud to present 'Todo está dicho', a landmark exhibition that brings together some of the most influential figures in Spanish art from the 20th century to the present. Featuring major names such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Esteban Vicente, José Guerrero, Pablo Palazuelo, Antoni Tàpies, Fernando Zóbel, Eduardo Chillida, Juan Genovés, Antonio Saura, Luis Gordillo, Rafael Canogar, Elena Asins, Equipo Crónica, Manolo Valdés, Cristóbal Hara, Jaume Plensa, Cristina Iglesias, and Miquel Barceló, this collective show explores the continuous reinvention that has defined Spanish artistic expression over the last century.
The exhibition takes its title from a reflection by André Gide: “Everything has been said, but since no one listens, it is necessary to constantly start all over again”. This idea resonates profoundly with the evolution of Spanish art, where artists have persistently sought renewal, challenged conventions, and redefined creative language.
A Century of Reinvention
Spanish art in the 20th century was shaped by a relentless desire for artistic freedom. At the turn of the century, Spain’s most pioneering artists looked beyond their national borders, with Pablo Picasso leading the way in Paris. His groundbreaking vision set the stage for future generations, inspiring figures like Joan Miró, who sought to “assassinate painting” and develop a unique visual language rooted in Surrealism.
The historical avant-garde movements of the early 20th century, from Ultraism to the Sociedad de Artistas Ibéricos, propelled Spain into modernity. However, the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and the subsequent dictatorship disrupted this momentum, forcing many artists into exile or creative isolation. Despite this, a new generation emerged, determined to push boundaries. Groups such as Dau al Set in Barcelona and El Paso in Madrid introduced abstraction as a means of artistic resistance, while collectives like Equipo Crónica used figuration to deliver sharp political and social commentary.
During this period, artists like Antoni Tàpies developed material-based abstraction, exploring texture and gesture as expressive tools. Meanwhile, Antonio Saura blended gestural expressionism with historical symbolism, and Rafael Canogar moved between figuration and abstraction, documenting Spain’s transformation. Juan Genovés, with works like El abrazo (The Embrace), powerfully captured the nation’s transition to democracy.
From Dictatorship to Democracy: A New Wave of Creativity
The death of Franco in 1975 ushered in a new era of artistic freedom. The countercultural movement la movida madrileña transformed Madrid into a vibrant creative hub, where artists explored new forms of expression. The establishment of the Ministry of Culture helped cement Spain’s place in the global art world. Retrospective exhibitions of Picasso, Dalí, and Miró reaffirmed the country’s artistic legacy while paving the way for a new generation.
Artists like Fernando Zóbel, Eduardo Chillida, and Pablo Palazuelo redefined abstraction, experimenting with spatial relationships, materiality, and geometric compositions. Others, such as Luis Gordillo, introduced a fresh perspective on figuration and conceptual art. The late 20th century also saw the rise of Elena Asins, a pioneering figure in geometric and digital art.
Contemporary Perspectives: Pushing Boundaries
The turn of the 21st century brought further evolution, with artists embracing new technologies, materials, and interdisciplinary approaches. Jaume Plensa became known for his monumental sculptures exploring human fragility and communication. Cristina Iglesias redefined sculpture, merging space, architecture, and geology in immersive installations. Meanwhile, Miquel Barceló, with his deeply textural and expressive works, continued to push the boundaries of painting and ceramics.
As we look at the vast contributions of Spanish artists over the last century, one thing remains clear: the spirit of reinvention is intrinsic to their work. Whether through the radical innovations of Picasso and Miró, the resilience of post-war abstractionists, or the conceptual and multimedia experiments of today’s creators, Spanish art has continuously reinvented itself.
'Todo está dicho' is a testament to the enduring vitality of Spanish creativity. As Gide suggested, even when everything has been said, artists must always begin again. This exhibition celebrates that eternal cycle of transformation, showcasing a century of artistic evolution that remains as dynamic and influential as ever.
SELECTED WORKS

Esteban Vicente, Untitled
Charcoal and ink on paper
50,2 x 65,4 cm | 19.8 x 25.7 in

Fernando Zóbel, La Piedra V, 1980
Oil on canvas
80 x 80 cm | 31.5 x 31.5 in

Manolo Valdés, Caballo, 2024
Painted steel
156 x 160 x 60 cm | 61.4 x 63 x 23.6 in

Manolo Valdés, Retrato con sombrero II, 2024
Mixed media
104,1 x 94 cm | 41 x 37 in
Jaume Plensa, Silent Music V, 2020
Corten steel
225 x 220 x 210 cm | 88.5 x 86.6 x 82.6 in
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Luis Gordillo, Marylin asciende (triptych), 2018-2019
Acrylic on canvas
220 x 264 cm | 86.6 x 103.9 in

Luis Gordillo, Jardín colgante, 2024
Acrylic on canvas
100 x 130 cm | 39.4 x 51.2 in

Juan Genovés, Empuje, 2016
Acrylic on canvas mounted on board
130 x 160 cm | 51.2 x 63 in
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Eduardo Chillida, Lurra G-35 (Earth G-35), 1984
Chamotte clay
21 x 14 x 14 cm | 8.3 x 5.5 x 5.5 in

Pablo Palazuelo, Nauta I, 2001
Gouache on paper
65 x 49 cm | 25.6 x 19.3 in

José Guerrero, Abertura amarilla, 1975
Oil on canvas
158 x 125 cm | 62.2 x 49.2 in

Rafael Canogar, Cortinal, 1996
Handmade paper construction, oil painted and glued to board
170 x 240 cm | 66.9 x 94.5 in

Miquel Barceló, Project pour atelier avec sculpture II, 1994
Mixed media on canvas in an acrylic box
66 x 55 cm | 26 x 21.7 in

Antoni Tàpies, Diptic amb blanc craquelat, 1988
Mixed on media on canvas
200 x 330 cm | 78.7 x 129.9 in