The activity “Expedition to Villacentenos” has transformed the landscape of this ancient village into a shared experience of art, history, and memory. Part of the exhibition “Villacentenos. The Heritage of Oblivion,” this initiative has gone beyond a typical guided tour, encouraging participants to engage with the territory in a new way: to look, listen, and understand the traces that still remain in the environment.
The journey featured various artists from the exhibition, who accompanied attendees to explain firsthand the creative process behind their works. This activity shed light on how each piece emerged from a specific relationship with Villacentenos, a place where the passage of time, silence, and remnants of the past invite reflection on what is preserved and what gradually fades away.
The day also included a historical dimension thanks to Ángel Martín Fontecha’s presentation, which brought participants closer to the history and legend of this ancient village. During the tour, references to its past as a castle and convent were recalled, along with traces of the Canal del Gran Prior de Juan de Villanueva, an element that helps to understand the importance of the territory within the shared memory of the area.
An Artistic Perspective on the Territory
“Villacentenos. The Heritage of Oblivion” proposes exploring the relationship between art and landscape from a close perspective, where the space is seen not just as a backdrop but as a place filled with significance. The expedition allowed participants to embody this idea on-site, where they were encouraged not just to observe but to actively partake in the narrative’s construction.
The presence of the artists helped connect the artworks with the place that inspired them. Their insights revealed the motivations, doubts, and inquiries that accompanied the creative process, which is particularly valuable in an exhibition grounded in memory, oblivion, and the identity of the landscape.
The initiative invited attendees to pause and notice details that often go unnoticed: a beam of light, a shape, an architectural remnant, a mark on the ground, or a specific perspective. Through this attentive exercise, Villacentenos emerged as a living space capable of generating questions and new interpretations based on what it still retains.
History, Legend, and Shared Memory
Ángel Martín Fontecha’s intervention provided the necessary historical context to better assess the value of Villacentenos. The narrative of its past as a castle and convent, combined with references to the Canal del Gran Prior de Juan de Villanueva, helped situate the ancient village within a broader history connected to the territory and nearby towns.
The day also served as a meeting point for residents of Herencia and Alcázar de San Juan. Both municipalities share ties to this space, and the expedition allowed them to explore a heritage that is part of a common memory. This connection lent the activity a special significance, transforming the walk into an experience of mutual recognition.
The visit demonstrated that heritage doesn’t always require grand monuments to evoke emotions or interest. Sometimes, just returning to a place, listening to its story, and viewing it from a different perspective is enough to understand that what seemed forgotten still has the power to bring people together.
The Exhibition Continues at Sala Agustín Úbeda
Following the on-site expedition, the day concluded at Sala Agustín Úbeda, where the exhibition “Villacentenos. The Heritage of Oblivion” remains open to the public. The showcase presents the creative work surrounding this ancient village and allows for a deeper understanding of the experience shared during the journey.
The activity reinforced the exhibition’s essence by directly connecting the physical space with the artworks and their creators. This way, the audience can better grasp how art interacts with the territory and how local memory can transform into a cultural offering open to residents and visitors alike.
Today, Villacentenos was more than just a place visited; it became a meeting point for towns, artists, history, and community. It served as a reminder that the landscape also holds stories, and these stories remain alive only when someone takes the time to look at them again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Expedition to Villacentenos?
It was an activity related to the exhibition “Villacentenos. The Heritage of Oblivion,” where attendees toured the ancient village alongside artists and historical explanations.
Who participated in the activity?
Residents of Herencia and Alcázar de San Juan, several artists from the exhibition, and Ángel Martín Fontecha, who provided historical and legendary context for the place.
Where can I continue to see the exhibition about Villacentenos?
The exhibition “Villacentenos. The Heritage of Oblivion” is still open to the public at Sala Agustín Úbeda.
Spanish post in Villacentenos reúne a vecinos de Herencia y Alcázar entre arte y memoria
