THE CARABANCHEL EDIT | The Artistic Life Route
1. The Blockbuster Closing Venue:
VETA by Fer Francés (C/ Antoñita Jiménez, 39)
The Exhibition: Contraluz by Abraham Lacalle & Zona de Confort by Santiago Ydáñez Dates: Closing Feb 14 and Feb 21, respectively
The Context: Fer Francés has turned this former industrial complex into the most important gallery space in the city. These two shows—Lacalle’s large-scale raw landscapes and Ydáñez’s intense portraiture—have been the talk of the winter season.
The Edit Move:
Go now. These shows close mid-month to make way for the ARCO installation. If you visit on Saturday, Feb 7, you catch the "sweet spot": the gallery is fully open, but the closing party crowds haven't arrived.
Afterward, walk around the corner to Patio de Leones for a beer; you will likely see the gallery staff there.
Sabrina Amrani (C/ Sallaberry, 52) The Exhibition: Alexandra Karakashian (Solo Show) Dates: Opens Feb 21
The Context: Amrani consistently scouts the most intellectual talent from the world. Karakashian is known for using used engine oil and salt in her canvases, so expect a stark, monochromatic aesthetic that feels incredibly sharp against the gallery's wide white space.
The Edit Move:
This is the specific "Pre-ARCO" opening to be seen at.
Do not go to the main opening party unless you enjoy standing room only. Go to the Private View on the morning of Feb 21 (11:00 AM) if you are on the list, or visit the following Tuesday (Feb 24) when the gallery is empty. It is a contemplative show; it requires silence.
3. The Graphic Turn Venue:
Benveniste Contemporary (C/ Nicolás Morales, 37) The Exhibition: Trace, sign, or vestige (Group Show) Dates: Running throughout February
The Context: Benveniste is a print-making publisher first, gallery second. The work here is always technical, precise, and obsessed with paper. This show explores the physical residue of art-making.
The Edit Move: This gallery is located in a complex with several other studios (artists often work with the door open here). Visit on a Friday afternoon. After viewing the exhibition, walk up to the third floor of the building. The light in the stairwell is cinematic, and you often catch glimpses of the printing presses in action.
4. The Sculpture Focus Venue:
Ponce + Robles (C/ Alameda, 5) The Exhibition: Jesús Hernández Verano Dates: Runs all February (Opened Jan 31)
The Context: A gallery that balances established Spanish names with risky installations. Verano’s work often involves ceramics and found objects, creating a fragile, archaeological atmosphere.
The Edit Move: Pair this with a coffee at Café Pavón (technically in Lavapiés/La Latina, but a short taxi ride away). Ponce + Robles is the perfect "last stop" in Carabanchel before heading back to the centre for lunch.
Workshops and artist groups
As mentioned on esmadrid.com, see some of the area’s workshops and artist groups listed below:
Ey!Studio (No. 19 Calle de Belmonte del Tajo, door 2-2)
35.000 Jóvenes (No. 36 Calle de Matilde Hernández, door 3-left)
An Wei (Calle Urgel, 33)
Arteaga Usted (No. 50 Calle de Mercedes Arteaga)
Artendencia House Studio (No. 14 Calle de San Dámaso, ground floor)
Casa Antillón (No. 12 Calle Chimbo)
Casa Banchel (No. 26 Calle de Santiago Estévez)
Casa Bola (Calle de la Época, 3-bis)
El Grifo (No. 20 Calle de Vista Alegre, door 2-A)
Espacio Vista (No. 20 Calle de Vista Alegre, door 3-A)
Estudio 4.7 (No. 38-40 Calle de Nicolás Morales door 4-7)
Estudio 10 (No. 38-40 Calle de Nicolás Morales door 1-10)
Estudio Lisboa (No. 21 Avenida de Pedro Diez, door 3)
Faro 12 Estudio (No. 21 Avenida de Pedro Diez, door 3, establishment 12)
Fuentesal & Arenillas / Paloma de Alba (No. 36 Calle de Matilde Hernández, door right)
Galería Nueva (No. 94 Alejandro Sánchez, and No. 1 Miguel Mayor)
Hyper House (No. 22 Calle Ramón Sainz)
In June We Trust (No. 24 Calle Amistad, ground floor)
Juana González and Carlos Pesudo (Nicolás Morales No. 38-40)
La Latente (No. 21-bis Avenida de Pedro Diez, door 1-7)
LabBrut Colectivo de Artistas (No. 1 Calle del Capitán de Oro)
La Oficina (No. 9 Morenés Arteaga)
Mala Fama (No. 25 Avenida de Pedro Diez, door 1-right)
Nave 6 (No. 38-40 Calle de Nicolás Morales, door 3-6)
Nave Oporto (No. 25 Avenida de Pedro Diez, door 2-right)
NavEstudio Laura Lio (No. 21 Calle del Tordo, door left)
Paloma Gámez (No. 38-40 Calle de Nicolás Morales, door 4-8, loft 4)
Studio Patricia Mateo (Fueradcarta) / José Luis López Moral (Fueradcarta) / Consuelo Chacón (No. 38 Nicolás Morales)
photoAlquimia (No. 21-bis Avenida de Pedro Diez, door 3)
Puerta Cuatro (No. 38-40 Calle de Nicolás Morales, door 4-4)
Totoki Guaraní (No. 21-bis Avenida de Pedro Diez, door 1-2)
U Studio (No. 6 Calle de la Virgen de Belén, ground floor)
Veta Galeria (No. 39 Calle de Antoñita Jiménez)
Sabrina Amrani Gallery (No. 23 Calle de la Madera - in the Malasaña neighbourhood, her office is located at No. 52 Calle de Sallaberry in Carabanchel)
If you know someone who thinks the Plaza Mayor is a good place for lunch, please forward them this email. We need to save them.
You are reading The EDIT Madrid.
Created by four friends who met claiming they live on the most beautiful street in Madrid, and realised they were living on the same street.
Curated for the observer, not the tourist.
Madrid, Spain.
