A wrought iron drawing

The Unicaja Foundation approached us with the need for an attractive and innovative museum design for an exhibition of 50 works by Joaquín Peinado. We decided to propose a somewhat unusual strategy for this exhibition. In addition to reinforcing the message of the artist’s work, we wanted the design to serve as an advertising hook to pique the curiosity of neighbours and passers-by and turn them into visitors to the exhibition. This involves using a commercial strategy for cultural purposes. In this case, far from creating a silent backdrop that goes unnoticed so that the artist’s work can take centre stage, we must design a setting that speaks energetically with the artist about his work.

For the final design of the exhibition, we began by analysing the characteristics of Joaquín Peinado’s work. The museum layout cannot be understood without understanding the painter’s work. In the words of Julian Gallego, who identified one of the pillars of the Ronda-born painter’s work as the ‘grace of his wrought iron drawings’. These are some of the qualities of the work that led us to propose the final concept for the exhibition. A linear and continuous structure that organises the exhibition space.

Taking as a reference his solid linear frameworks with strong geometric features. Composition and geometry, balance between line and space, like a three-dimensional cubist drawing or engraving. We designed an installation that invites viewers to walk through the rooms, enjoying a variety of situations and perspectives. As if it were a landscape, a still life or a figure by Peinado, we propose a sequence of spaces where his work can be contemplated, organised into groups. In this way, we emphasise his interest and generate a fluid and pleasant visual rhythm for the viewer.

With this museographic design for the Peinado exhibition, we have tried to create an installation that supports the work and creates a positive experience that leaves a lasting impression on the user.