Hard work pays off for Mojacar artists

A UNIQUE art display has taken Mojacar by storm over the past few weeks.

Three art enthusiasts, from different walks of life, participated in classes last winter with highly respected artist, Manuel Garcia de la Torre, and their work was recently installed in the ‘Shockpalmo’ exhibition at the Mojacar art centre.

De la Torre has a unique collection of work inspired by his travel throughout the world during his work as a navy communications officer.

Local artists Anika Samoa, Bea Onieva and Michele Koster, spent months learning new techniques in preparation for the exhibition.

Samoa, from the Netherlands, came to Mojacar in the 1980s and runs a watersports business. Having spent her days looking out at the sea, horizon and mountains with what she described as “forever changing in their colours in the amazing Mojacar light,” she decided to translate what she saw into art. 

She told EWN: “I enjoyed learning new techniques and was delighted with the results.”

Koster, an experienced artist with a passion for classical and impressionist art, said she learned a lot from the classes.

Onieva was born in Madrid but moved to Mojacar in the 1980s. She’s worked with watercolours and oils in the past and using pastels was a new and exciting experience for her.

Dozens of people passed through the art gallery at Mojacar Fuente each day, including Mayor Rosa Maria Cano, who bought De la Torre’s stunning painting of Mojacar.

Classes will begin again in October and are open to all.