Chechu Álava. Rebels

The museum is presenting a gallery of female portraits by the artist Chechu Álava (born Piedras Blancas, Asturias, 1973) which celebrates the imaginary life of ancient myths and the experience of eminent women in the modern age. First started by the artist around a decade ago, this ongoing series has brought together the figures of Eve and Venus with portraits of intellectuals, writers and artists such as Simone de Beauvoir, Hannah Arendt, Sylvia Plath, Colette, Marga Gil Roësset, Niki de Saint Phalle, Eva Hesse, Tina Modotti, Frida Kahlo and Lee Miller. The exhibition extends from the Balcony gallery on the 1st floor to other galleries of the Permanent Collection where Álava’s works establish a dialogue with some of the museum’s paintings.

Chechu Álava. Rebels is the third edition in the Kora programme. Based on the myth of the first female portraitist in history recounted by Pliny the Elder, it presents one exhibition a year at the Museo Thyssen from a gender perspective.

The artist and curator of the exhibition, Rocío de la Villa, will offer a talk-discussion on 27 February at 5.30pm. Free entry until all seats filled.