27 Nov EMG4 + Est_Art: Art feeds people, people feed art
Taking advantage of what you already got characterizes Javier Montorcier and Maite Sánchez Urueña massive artistic project: EMG4 – Espacio Multipropuestas Granja 4. Utilizing the 5000 m2 facilities built 31 years ago by Javier’s father to house his home and decor company (Montorcier Cambra) the couple have recently opened to the public an impressive multi-proposal art space in Alcobendas.
From the early 2000’s the idea of utilizing the warehouse for artistic purposes emerging as Maite discovered her passion and her talent for photography and engraving. In 2005, she started using a corner of the business space as her own creative studio and founded the artistic asociation Ados (Asociación de Obra Seriada) which some members have their artworks on display at EMG4.
Since 2005, the couple realized the immense potential offered by the industrial complex. “The project grew step-by-step” says Maite, “but the main objective remains to democratize art and to put down the barriers between the public and the artists. We want people to feel comfortable, ask questions and yes, touch the artworks!”.
Once the visitors arrive on the premises, they are greeted by José Luis Menéndez colossal outdoors metallic sculptures and by the Mondrian inspired building. Then, as they enter the hall, they can admire “Cosmologia” the exhibition of sculptor Diego Canogar who creates intricate geometrical forms using painted welded iron.
Within EMG4 lies Est_Art, the space for the exhibition and sale of contemporary artworks, all of them by living artists. This same zone is divided in two; Art Room 1 (450 m2) and Art Room 2 (650 m2). As I said before, working with what you’vre got is truly the definition of the couple’s mindset. They reused the display cases previously exposing the home and decor merchandise, took out the shelves, repainted them and created splendid “containers of art”. Each row of display or “streets” as the couple calls them, is devoted to a particular artist. Several techniques are showcased in Art Room 1 (photography, calligraphy, painting, lithography, sculptures) as confronting disciplines is a very important aspect of their vision. For both of them, a much stronger dialogue can be established between the spectators and the artworks when they are surrounded by various aesthetics.
The second room is dedicated to large sculptural projects, events, projections and holds the full professional photography studio (which is available for rental) and the engraving workshop. But wait there is more! There is another floor downstairs with more than 1000 m2 available. Half of which houses sculptor Mar Solís studio and the other half for the future paint and photographic development workshops.
The multipurpose space has all of its surface available for rental and the team is always glad to see new projects take shape in their premises. Just as the team of the acclaimed series “La Embajada”, aired on Antena 3 last year, chose to film part of their episodes in EMG4 offices. Furthermore, anyone can rent the photography studio including or not the help of a light technician and a professional photographer. Even more, EMG4 offers a wide variety of workshop and classes exploring a multitude of artistic practices and techniques.
A 15 minutes car ride from the center of Madrid or 1 minute away from La Granja metro station, free parking on the premises and with more than 200 people attending their first inauguration last June, Javier and Maite’s Espacio Multipropuestas Granja 4 has everything it needs to become a milestone in Madrid buzzing contemporary art scene.
Camila Jourdain
Art Consultant specialized in Contemporary Art. Originally from Montréal, Canada, Camila holds an M.A. in Art History and has worked for art galleries, auction houses and art fairs. She is currently employed by the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid.
Fundador, The Art Market Agency.
Experto en marketing online con más de diez años de experiencia ayudando a empresas a crecer en el entorno online. Conocedor de las principales plataformas de comercialización del sector arte y de cómo sacarles el mejor partido para rentabilizarlas.
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