Graphic Exchanges (2012–2026): the exhibition of graphic art that marked the opening of Axárquica

Our opening: an exhibition of graphic art and prints.

Axárquica was founded as a creative space, yes, but also as a meeting place for art and culture. From day one, it was clear to us that we wanted things to happen here beyond the creative process: we wanted dialogue, reflection and a moment to pause.

That is why we decided to mark the opening day with an exhibition. Not as an afterthought, but as a statement of intent.

“Graphic Exchanges. 2012–2026” is the first exhibition to be held in Axárquica’s exhibition and workshop space. And this is no coincidence: it brings together fourteen years of relationships, exchanges, conversations and shared interests centred on printmaking.

What is “Graphic Exchanges”?

This exhibition of graphic art brings together works by 23 artists from 12 different countries, brought together through a very simple gesture: exchange.

For years, the process has almost always been the same. I send a piece of graphic art — usually an engraving — and, on the other side, another artist responds with their own. There are no hierarchies, no curation in the traditional sense. There is correspondence.

The result is a diverse collection, yet one connected by something very specific: the time shared between people who work within the same artistic language.

Although we have many more works, our exhibition space in Vélez-Málaga is very small, so we’ve had to make an initial selection for this exhibition (there’s more to come!).

At the exhibition, you’ll find pieces by the following artists (you can click on their names to visit their profiles):

• Juan Maestre
• Terry Lawless
• Marjorie Sarcelle
• Jess Serov de The Blue Stamp
• Matt Jennings
• Tomislav Sertić
• Luis de 3Gatos Press
• Benjamin Paul Morris de Studio7x7
• Rani Vercammen
• Jeff de Pixel Palmer
• Cesar Aldana
• Kitty de Honey Thief Prints
• Irena de IsPrints
• Fabienne Piron
• Isabelle Ljungbacke
• Kitty Boo
• Levon Parker
• Leigh Tawharu
• Rachel Hussey
• Roberta Queiroga
• Virginia Guy
• Ros Craw
• Myself, Paula Salido

Each piece has its own story, but they all share the same origin: the desire for exchange.

Printmaking as a meeting point

One of the most interesting things that has been happening since the opening is that many of the people who come into the space ask us the same question: ‘What is this? It’s not a painting, it’s not a drawing – what is it?’

And that’s where a conversation begins.

Because, although printmaking has a long tradition and forms part of our visual culture, we do not always recognise it or know how to identify it when we come across it. In “Graphic Exchanges”, most of the works are linocuts, a technique that involves carving a plate (in this case, linoleum), inking it and printing it onto paper.

But beyond the technique, what is interesting is understanding printmaking as a process:

• It involves repetition, but it is not industrial reproduction
• It has distinctive features such as the numbering of the edition
• Each print has slight variations
• And, in this case, it also has a relational dimension: exchange

The exhibition serves, almost without meaning to, as a brief introduction to the world of printmaking and, in particular, linocut. And that makes it an excellent starting point for those who have had no previous experience of these techniques. Many of these conversations end up sparking a curiosity to learn more, which is why at Axárquica we also dedicate part of the space to training in printmaking techniques, for those who want to move beyond simply looking and try their hand at it themselves.

A collection built up over time

There is something you only notice when you see all the works together: the passage of time.

It is not a fixed collection, nor was it conceived in a single go. It is a living archive that has been built up bit by bit, over the course of 14 years, in parallel with the evolution of those involved in it.

That is why, although it may seem like a simple exhibition to put together, it is actually very complex to curate. Each piece comes from a different moment in the life of its creator, and I am mindful of how their work has evolved since then. Sometimes the print on the wall does not exactly reflect what those people are creating today, but that is precisely where the beauty of this collection lies: it functions as a small, living archive of our journeys, rather than a snapshot of where we are now.

Some pieces are more recent, whilst others are now over a decade old. Some engage with one another on a formal level; others do so on a conceptual level or through the memory of the moment in which they were exchanged.

This accumulation of layers means that the exhibition is not merely a display of graphic work, but also a map of relationships built up over time and with care.

The Axárquica exhibition space

With this exhibition of prints from the Axarquía region of Málaga, we are also launching an important part of the project: our small exhibition space in Vélez-Málaga.

Although our space is small, we have no shortage of love for art, let alone a desire to share it. Axárquica is not just a place to create. It is also a place to look, to delve deeper into art and to discover new things.

We want anyone to be able to pop in – without an appointment, without any prior plans, without having to sign up for anything – and come face to face with the artwork. To stop for a while. To look.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge during the workshop’s opening hours.

This is important to us: that access to culture isn’t conditional on having to consume something else. You can come simply to look, have a chat in the workshop for a while, and then leave. It’s free, and it’s lovely.

And, for those who do fancy staying a little longer and moving from contemplation to practice, we also open up the space to various creative activities that take place throughout the year.

A place to return to

“Graphic Exchanges. 2012–2026” is just the beginning.

This exhibition of graphic art is the first of many more to come. Our plan is for this exhibition space to evolve, generating new ideas, inviting other artists, and exploring new avenues of work that connect with what is happening within the studio and also with what is happening outside it.

We want to showcase the work of local artists, provide a space where emerging creators can access the exhibition world in a simple and enjoyable way; and also bring artists from all over the world closer to the people of our region.

For us, there was something very fitting about starting here: with an exhibition that speaks of networks, the circulation of work, and the connections forged through artistic practice.

If you’re passing through Vélez-Málaga, feel free to pop in whenever you like. Take your time.

Sometimes, the most interesting thing about a space isn’t what it promises, but what it builds up over time.

And this has only just begun.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading and for getting to know Axárquica, even if it’s just through the screen.

Paula.