132 - JESÚS CASAUS MECHÓ (Barcelona, 1926–2002).

JESÚS CASAUS MECHÓ (Barcelona, 1926–2002). “Boats.” Oil on panel. Signed in the lower right corner. Measurements: 46 x 60 cm; 71 x 86 cm (frame). Casaus was one of the most prestigious figurative artists on the Spanish and international art scene in the second half of the 20th century. He studied at the Baixas Academy and the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, where he was a student of Joan Serra and Luis Muntané, and later continued his training in Paris. There he came into contact with the “Fauvist” movement, which, together with the vibrant use of color by Albert Marquet (1875–1947), constituted the main influences shaping his style. In 2008, a retrospective exhibition was held in his honor at the Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona, and in Cudillero, Asturias, a national painting competition bearing his name has been held since 2005. For most of his life, Casaus divided his time between his native Barcelona and the aforementioned Asturian town, which he depicted in numerous works that capture the spirit of seafaring life and the town’s unique architecture and natural beauty. In 2010, the Sala Rusiñol celebrated its 24th anniversary with a commemorative exhibition dedicated to his work. Jesús Casaus is represented in the MACBA’s collection.