Santiago Ydáñez, born in Jaén in 1967, is a painter whose work has gained significant international recognition. His distinctive figurative style has established him as an unmistakable figure in the contemporary art scene.
Throughout his career, Ydáñez has received notable awards, including the 33rd BMW Painting Prize in 2018, the ABC Award in 2002, and the prestigious scholarship from the Colegio de España in Rome in 2016.
His artistic vision draws inspiration from his childhood memories, particularly those associated with nature and the rural customs of his upbringing. His work is also richly infused with references to art history and the broader history of humanity, often conveying ethical and political messages within his compositions.
As a painter with classical themes, Ydáñez is renowned for the expressiveness he imparts to his depictions of animals, individuals, and religious iconography. He approaches his creations with rapid work sessions, capturing the essence of his subjects through broad, expressive, and energetic brushwork. His pieces are characterized by the use of a limited color palette, often gravitating towards a monochromatic or grayscale range, which lends a distinctive and evocative quality to his art.
Santiago Ydáñez's work can be found in prestigious collections such as the Fundación Botín in Santander, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, the DKV Collection, the CAC in Málaga, the Museo Sofía Ímber in Venezuela, the Diputación de Jaén, the Colección ABC in Madrid, and the Colección CGAC in Galicia, among others. His contributions to the contemporary art scene are highly regarded both nationally and internationally.
