Eduardo Arroyo [antikvár]

It is an honour for me to introduce this exhibition by Eduardo Arroyo, part of the Spanish Art Abroad programme. The intention of this programme, which originated during Spain's Presidency of the European Union, is to exhibit contemporary Spanish art outside the country. Happily, however, it has continued beyond that date and has now become one of the most significant activities within the context of cultural promotion abroad. The presence of Eduardo Arroyo is essential to a programme that aims to reflect the development of Spanish art over the last fifty years. Arroyo occupies a unique place in this panorama, and one characterised by the critical and reflexive nature of his work. Arroyo's universe reveals an incisive and often provocative commitment to the problems of our day, but it is alsó a lucid and playful reflection on pictorial tradition and the most recent creative trends. The ethical perspective within Eduardo Arroyo's art, tinged with wit and irony, does not conflict with its undoubted aesthetic merit. Above all, Arroyo is a multi-faceted artist with a tremendous command of expressive resources: in his scrutiny of the reality which surrounds him, and in his pictorial dialogue with the great artists of the past, Arroyo reveals an obvious skill in his handling of colour and composition, which enrich the narrative content and the conceptual originaiity of his works. Arroyo's work, which takes its starting point from the Spanish tradition in order to carry it forward into the future, reaches Eastern Europe through the Spanish Art Abroad programme. It is significant that one year after this programme was launched to mark the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, an exhibition organised under its auspices reaches Budapest. The result is tangible proof of the important commitment made by Spain to the countries which are now becoming members of that collective project of liberty, democracy and prosperity known as the European Union. I therefore hope that the exhibition enjoys the success that it deserves. I would üke to thank all those who have made it possible, with a special mention to the Department of Cultural and Scientific Relations and the State Society for Cultural Action Abroad, which continues to collaborate loyally with this programme. Thanks to all for an effort which has well merited the efforts involved.