‘It Must Be Seen: The Autonomy of Colour in Abstract Art’ at Fundación Juan March
Madrid
02 April 2025
From February 28 to June 8, 2025, Fundación Juan March in Madrid presents ‘Lo tienes que ver. La autonomía del color en el arte abstracto’ (‘It Must Be Seen: The Autonomy of Colour in Abstract Art’). Through this exhibition, Fundación Juan March examines the emancipation of colour from line and form, highlighting how it became an autonomous element in artistic practice. The journey begins with early 20th-century abstract pioneers and extends into contemporary approaches, demonstrating how colour continues to evolve as a conceptual and sensorial phenomenon.
The exhibition includes over 70 works, spanning various movements and disciplines, from painting and sculpture to textiles, ceramics, and digital media and featuring artists such as Kazimir Malévich, Olafur Eliasson, Rosa Brun, Yves Klein, Lucio Fontana, Teresa Lanceta, and Juan Genovés.
Curated by Manuel Fontán del Junco and María Zozaya Álvarez, with contributions from historians David Batchelor, Paul Smith, and Esther Leslie, the exhibition also offers a historical perspective on colour theory. A dedicated section showcases early colour studies from the 18th and 19th centuries, including works by Goethe and Turner.
With its selection of artists and interdisciplinary approach, ‘Lo tienes que ver’ invites visitors to reconsider colour not as a secondary element but as an essential force in modern and contemporary art. The inclusion of Genovés’ Tres círculos further highlights how colour transcends artistic categories, proving its power across abstraction and figuration alike.
Represented by Opera Gallery since 2023, Juan Genovés is one of Spain's best-known contemporary artists, whose works created a stir in a country then run by the Franco regime. Known for his politically charged, figurative compositions, Genovés’ exploration of colour in this work reflects a different facet of his artistic journey.
A New Perspective on Colour
With ‘Lo tienes que ver’, Fundación Juan March challenges traditional narratives in art history that have often prioritized line over colour. By showcasing the work of both historical and contemporary artists, the exhibition presents colour as an active, autonomous force rather than a secondary element. Through its diverse selection of works and innovative curatorial approach, ‘Lo tienes que ver’ invites visitors to reconsider how they perceive and experience colour in art.
At the heart of the exhibition is the idea that colour has historically been overshadowed by line and form. From early abstract experiments to contemporary innovations, ‘Lo tienes que ver’ traces how colour has asserted itself as a primary force in artistic expression. In addition to traditional media, the exhibition features immersive elements like Coloramas, Fundación Juan March’s first experiential installation dedicated to colour perception.
