A journey through contemporary art
Local artist Artur Heras recently opened his new exhibition ‘HALT! Images that Think’ in Xàtiva, after touring cities such as Bremen, Frankfurt, Perpignan and Valencia. This exhibition, which includes more than 200 works, is designed to provoke deep reflection on crucial moments in contemporary European history.
A space for memory and reflection
The exhibition has been organized in four emblematic spaces of the city: the cultural space of Sant Domènec, the Fine Arts museums (the Casa de l’Ensenyança and the Patio de l’Almodí) and the church of Sant Feliu. Among the works on display can be found paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations and documentary material that invite the visitor to reflect on the past.
The meaning of the title
The term ‘Halt’, which means ‘to stop’ in German, is a powerful reminder of the historical wounds that still linger. Heras’ works address themes such as the far right, civil attacks and deportations, suggesting an urgent need to pause and reflect on the possibility of these events repeating themselves.
A diverse artistic journey
In the Sant Domènec space, visitors will be able to admire sculptures such as ‘De vol de la história’ (2020), which stands out for its monumental staircase and the angel wings that decorate it. At the Museum of Fine Arts, ‘El Mur de Paraules’ (2024) is presented, along with works that commemorate the bombing of Xàtiva. Finally, the church of Sant Feliu hosts a piece in tribute to Josep de Ribera, thus expanding the artistic dialogue with local history.
A unique vision on art
Artur Heras has expressed his desire for art exhibitions to not be simple enclosed spaces, but to interact with the landscape and history of the city. According to him, Xàtiva, with its rich architectural heritage, provides a perfect context for his work.
Reflections of the curator
Anacleto Ferrer, the curator of the exhibition, added that Heras is an artist who is concerned with communication and understanding through his images. He does not only seek to excite, but also to provoke critical reflection on the condition of the image itself.
Visit the exhibition
The exhibition ‘HALT! Images that Think’ will be open to the public until the end of April. Visiting hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm, as well as Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 2 pm, offering multiple opportunities to enjoy this artistic proposal that challenges the viewer to stop and think.