The Alzuza Foundation recently hosted the presentation of a new publication dedicated to celebrating Jorge Oteiza as a "great and fascinating sculptor," a revealing and revolutionary spirit of Basque culture, a man of action, and a distinguished writer. Titled 'Para conocer a Oteiza', the book is authored by José Julián Bakedano and published by Pamiela. Its design echoes Oteiza's past works, such as the iconic Quousque tandem…!. The volume is divided into two sections: one featuring opinions from individuals connected to the sculptor across various cultural fields, and the other, an album of rarely seen photographs of Oteiza throughout his life.
The presentation included the author, José Julián Bakedano; the foundation's board president, Jaione Apalategi; the sculptor's niece, Pilar Oteiza; and Lander Majuelo from Pamiela. Bakedano explained that the book covers diverse aspects of Oteiza's daily life and his travels abroad, stating his intention was to create a publication that Jorge himself would appreciate. Pilar Oteiza acknowledged the challenge given the artist's critical nature but expressed gratitude for the book's role in bringing her uncle closer to the public, emphasizing that "the best way to know Jorge Oteiza is to read Oteiza himself."
The first part of the book features contributions from notable figures including Juan Manuel Bonet, Txomin Badiola, Ángel Bados, Juan Huarte, Miguel Sánchez Ostiz, Jaione Apalategi, Mikel Onandia, Rafael Moneo, Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza, José María Parreño, Alfonso de la Torre, Miren Vadillo Eguino, J.M.Caballero Bonald, Pilar Oteiza, Fernando García Nieto, Beñat Sarasola, Peio Agirre, Javier González de Durana, José Julián Bakedano, Miguel Zugaza, Juan Pablo Huercanos, Gillermo Zuaznabar, Santos Zunzunegui, Paulino Viota, Rafael Ruiz Balerdi, Elixabete Ansa, Víctor Erice, Juan Antonio Urbeltz, Bernardo Atxaga, Javier Eder, Blas de Otero, José Luis Merino, Iñaki Arzoz, Oskar Alegria, Fidel Azkoaga, and Manuel Asín. They share their personal experiences with Oteiza through various formats like lectures, articles, and personal texts, resulting in a book that is "more intimate, of feelings and memories rather than documentation and data," according to Pilar Oteiza.
The photographs are sourced from the archives of the Oteiza Museum Foundation, Pilar Oteiza, Ramón Serras, the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, Mikel Escauriaza, and Pamiela, the book's publisher. Additionally, the book includes a QR code to access the 2005 documentary short film Siete vigías y una torre, directed by Manuel Asín, which explores Oteiza's work by showcasing his seven strategic sculptures (the "seven vigils") and his house-museum (the "tower").
The publication originated from an initiative by the publisher Pamiela, which commissioned Bakedano to create an informative book about Oteiza's life and work. "From Pamiela, we wanted to continue Oteiza's legacy, to disseminate it," added Lander Majuelo. The concept was to gather testimonies from individuals whose relationship with the sculptor had significantly impacted them, aiming to serve as an introduction not only for those already familiar with Oteiza but especially for new generations.
Following the format of the Qué sabemos de collection, the book presents a "polyhedral view of the sculptor," portraying him as a man concerned with pedagogy, a poet, an activist, and "a great writer," summarized Bakedano. It is presented as a work to approach and understand the life, work, and thought of one of the greatest Basque artists, whose strength lay in the integration of all his facets and his commitment to his time.
The title of the book itself, "Para conocer a Oteiza" (To Know Oteiza), raises a question: Is it still necessary, over 20 years after the establishment of the Foundation safeguarding his legacy, to emphasize the idea of knowing Oteiza, given the persistent lack of understanding regarding his work and person's significance in art and society?
As written by Txomin Badiola in the book, the author of Jorge Oteiza's reasoned sculpture catalogue, "Oteiza never renounced a character that, as he aged, could only worsen, leaving those who succeeded him an immense critical and, why not, demystifying task, to assert the best of his legacy. A task that still remains pending." Books like the one now published are a valuable contribution to this endeavor.
The author, José Julián Bakedano Sarrionandia (Durango, 1957), studied Architecture and Law. In 1982, he founded the Cinematheque at the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, where he served as deputy director. He is a founding member of the Museo de Arte e Historia de Durango and has participated in ZINEBI (Bilbao International Festival of Documentary and Short Film) in various capacities since 1968. He established the Bizkaia International Film and Sport Festival in 1990 and has worked as a coordinator, curator, and designer for exhibitions and books.
