José Fernández Sánchez

JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ SÁNCHEZ (San Vicente de Elviña, A Coruña, 1913 – A Coruña, 1994).
“Blocks,” 1981.
Oil on cardboard.
Signed in the lower right corner. Signed, dated, titled, and located on the reverse.
Provenance: BBVA collection.
Measurements: 35.5 x 40 cm; 50 x 58 cm (frame).

One of the most popular Galician painters of his time, José Fernández Sánchez began his training as an apprentice in an industrial painting workshop, later moving to the Campsa factory as a skilled painter. At the same time, after finishing his workday, he attended classes at the School of Arts and Crafts, where he studied drawing. In 1940, he held his first exhibition at the Artists’ Association of A Coruña, and the following year he exhibited at the Commercial and Industrial Circle of Vigo and the Artisans’ Protection Union of Santiago. He later received a scholarship to study in Madrid, though he had to turn it down for family reasons. Fernández exhibited his work not only in Galicia but also in Bilbao, Barcelona, and Madrid; particularly noteworthy in Madrid were his exhibitions in 1942 at the Salón Vilches and in 1952 at the Madrazo Gallery. He was also honored with various awards, including a medal from the 1950 Vigo Regional Exhibition, the Campsa Prize, and second prize for drawing at the City of Compostela National Exhibition. He was also an active participant in the artistic and intellectual scene of A Coruña at the time, serving as a member of associations such as the Ferrol Art Society.