Since Friday 9th of January, the Mijas Arts Centre, located in the heart of Mijas Pueblo, has been hosting the exhibition 'De cal, añil y salitre', the first solo exhibition by painter Juanjo Castro in the municipality. This realistic collection invites the viewer to immerse themselves in an intimate exploration of southern light and colours, with a special focus on the local landscapes that have inspired the artist throughout his life. Now, in retirement, Castro is reviving his youthful passion, a vocation that has accompanied him since the age of 14 and which he has honed through the study of great classical masters such as Joaquín Sorolla.

The exhibition, consisting mainly of oils with some acrylics, will be open until Friday 23rd of January in the afternoon from 18 to 20 hours. One of the highlights of this cultural event is that the artist not only displays his finished canvases but also wields his brush daily in front of visitors, turning the gallery into an open studio where they can chat with him and observe his technique firsthand. As the president of the Arts Centre, Join Pernille, explains, seeing Juanjo Castro paint live is a special treat for art lovers wishing to learn about his creative process.

 

Castro says that his inspiration comes from direct, everyday observation: he strolls through the surroundings, captures what captivates him with his camera, and then translates it onto canvas with meticulous realism. Among his current works, a series dedicated to the reflections of a pond in Benalmádena stands out, allowing him to explore endless variations of light and movement. However, he has also devoted part of his efforts to depicting corners of Mijas,enabling residents to feel a strong connection with the works when they visit the gallery each afternoon.

 

In addition to enjoying the talent of this creator, who can be followed on social media under the proud family nickname 'Juanjo Tortillo', visitors have the opportunity to learn about the Mijas Arts Centre. This non-profit organisation offers its members benefits such as the opportunity to hold free exhibitions or attend classes across various disciplines, keeping the town’s cultural life vibrant, often accompanied by live guitar music during these open days.

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