139 - JESÚS DE LA SOTA (Pontevedra, 1924 – Berlin, 1980).

JESÚS DE LA SOTA (Pontevedra, 1924 – Berlin, 1980). Untitled. Gramíneas Series, 1955. Gouache on cardstock. Work referenced in the catalog “Silences and Rhythms: Drawings and Paintings by Jesús de la Sota (1955–1961).” José de la Mano Gallery, 2012, p. 60. Provenance: José de la Mano Gallery, Madrid. Measurements: 50 x 65 cm; 68 x 81 cm (frame). The 1955 “Gramíneas” series is particularly significant within Jesús de la Sota’s early period. The series is documented alongside others, such as *Peces* and *Sillas*, created between 1955 and 1961, and demonstrates his gradual transition from figurative references toward an increasingly refined abstraction. Specifically, the *Gramíneas* are related to an exhibition project carried out in 1955 at the School of Agricultural Engineering in Madrid, in collaboration with his brother, the architect Alejandro de la Sota. In that context, Jesús de la Sota created designs inspired by plant elements, which later evolved into increasingly synthetic and geometric solutions. Jesús de la Sota was a Spanish multidisciplinary artist whose career spanned painting, drawing, design, and furniture, developing a visual language closely linked to architecture and geometric abstraction. He was the brother of the renowned architect Alejandro de la Sota. His artistic output reached its peak between 1955 and 1961. At the same time, he was highly active as a furniture designer and interior designer, eventually founding the Cores y Sota project with Amparo Cores, dedicated to the design and production of contemporary furniture. He participated in various national and international exhibitions, including the Hispano-American Art Exhibitions, as well as traveling exhibitions of Spanish art organized abroad. His work has been the subject of retrospectives and monographic exhibitions, notably *Silences and Rhythms. Drawings and Paintings by Jesús de la Sota (1955–1961), presented in Madrid and later at the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum in Estella-Lizarra. His work has also been highlighted in exhibitions dedicated to Spanish geometric abstraction of the 1950s. His works are part of Spanish museum collections, including the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Madrid, which holds a significant collection of the artist’s designs and furniture pieces. Work cited in the catalog “Silences and Rhythms: Drawings and Paintings by Jesús de la Sota (1955–1961).” Galería José de la Mano, 2012, p. 60.