LANZAROTE- MANRIQUE

Copia de Castillo tienda. Photo: MIAC Lanzarote

Copia de Castillo escultura exterior. Photo: MIAC Lanzarote

Copia de Castillo sala exposiciones. Photo: MIAC Lanzarote

Battle against Architectural Eyesore of Mass Tourism

On the Canary Islands the visitor comes across the name César Manrique (April 24, 1919 –September 25, 1992) in many places. Born in Lanzarote and as painter, sculptor, architect and multidisciplinary artist, he has preserved and made shine the natural beauties of his home island - on this all islanders do agree.

After Manrique abandons his studies in Civil Engineering on Tenerife to the father’s chagrin, he moves to the Spanish capital in 1945. In 1950, he obtains his Master degree in drawing and painting at the art academy in Madrid. As one of the first Spanish painter he paints abstract pictures and becomes the pioneer for avant-garde art. Thanks to a scholarship, he is drawn back to New York in 1964. However, 4 years later he finally returns to his beloved home island Lanzarote.

Manrique does not want to stand and watch, while Lanzarote deteriorates into a rubbish dump and is spoilt by mass tourism. He advocates above all for the native architecture: white, cubic houses, no one higher than two floors. And his effort is bearing fruits! Lanzarote is largely spared from the large concrete tourist development like on Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Immediately after his return to New York in 1968, Manrique founds the museum for contemporary art (Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo, MIAC). Today it is located in the fortress San José, which originates from the 18th century. In 1976 the artist arranges the conversion of the historical building into a museum. Since then, exhibitions of international artists have taken place there.

Manrique considered art as a harmonious interaction between humans and nature. In this sense, he developed tourist attractions for the Canary Islands. In 1993 the UNESCO appoints Lanzarote to be a biosphere reserve as the island of the world. However, Manrique does not experience this great success anymore: One year before, he dies in a car accident on Lanzarote.