Located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the exhibition “Mar Caldas: Mujeres, trabajo, y memoria” at the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea sheds light on the historical struggles and triumphs of women during the Francoist dictatorship in Spain. This exhibition showcases the work of Galician artist and educator Mar Caldas, who has dedicated her career to recognizing and celebrating the untold stories of women’s lives and labor.
One striking piece in the exhibition is “Guía postal de Lugo (1936–1976),” where misogynistic phrases from the Franco era are juxtaposed with black and white photos of women working in various settings. This installation serves as a powerful reminder of the oppressive attitudes towards women during this dark period in Spanish history.
Another series featured in the exhibition is “Facedoras de Bueu” and “Facedoras do Baixo Miño,” which captures the daily lives of women workers in southern Galicia. Through these portraits, Caldas highlights the essential role that women have played in sustaining local economies and communities, often underappreciated and undervalued.
One of the most poignant parts of the exhibition is Caldas’s project “Retrato de familia,” a deeply personal exploration of her family’s history of trauma and resistance during the Francoist regime. Through family photos, letters, and artifacts, Caldas reconstructs the story of her grandfather, a socialist union leader who was executed in 1937, and the enduring impact of his death on subsequent generations of women in her family.
By breaking the silence surrounding the atrocities of the Franco era and honoring the resilience of women who defied societal expectations, Mar Caldas’s exhibition is a testament to the power of art in preserving memory and advocating for social justice. “Mar Caldas: Mujeres, trabajo, y memoria” is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, history, and feminism.
For those in Santiago de Compostela, the exhibition will be on display at the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea until May 25. Curated by Monse Cea, this thought-provoking show invites viewers to reflect on the past while celebrating the enduring spirit of women who have shaped the course of history.
