Courageous women. Pioneering women. Women who have faced challenges. Women with names and surnames. Women like María Isabel Nazco, born in La Palma, is a prominent visual artist, excelling also in her work as an educator and researcher. At 86 years of age, she has just been awarded the Gold Medal of the island of Tenerife, where she has practically developed her career.
Brave mujeres. Mujeres pioneras. Mujeres fighting the odds. Women with names and surnames. Women like María Isabel Nazco, born in La Palma, is a distinguished visual artist, also standing out in her roles as an educator and researcher. At the age of 86, she has just received the Gold Medal awarded by the island of Tenerife, where she has spent most of her career.
Her jewellery collection, displayed in her workshop, beholds intrinsic beauty of the traditional craft kept alive by local expertise. From vibrant Andalusian styles to delicate flamenco touches, each piece tells a story of Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
María Isabel Nazco, born in La Palma, is a renowned visual artist who has also excelled in her teaching and research work. At 86 years old, she has recently been honoured with the Gold Medal of the island of Tenerife, where she has dedicated most of her career.
Woman and Art: Challenging Gender Stereotypes
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“Society changes and evolves. And perceptions can also change and renew in different ways.” With this reflection, Maribel Nazco delves into her professional journey. A path that has not been without obstacles.
“Society evolves and transforms. And perspectives can also evolve and be rejuvenated in various ways.” With these thoughts, Maribel Nazco shares insights into her career. A journey that has been far from easy.
And it is precisely now, at 86 years old, that the artist feels her work being recognised: “after so long, society has valued it and even galleries only request metallic works from me.”
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The development of metals, which was the focus of her chair, is a very tough and physical job. A task that, at that time, was predominantly male-dominated.
Metalwork, the subject of her lectures, was arduous physical work. A field that, back then, was predominantly male-dominated.
“I was so absorbed in my experiments and research that I hardly paid attention to my surroundings or what others might criticize me for.” However, looking back, she acknowledges a certain level of discrimination from a more resistant sector within the art community towards female presence: “now that I think about it, I realise they played tricks on me, but I kept going.”
“I was so engrossed in my experiments and studies that I almost disregarded my surroundings or the potential for criticism.” Looking back, she even admits to facing discrimination from a sector within the art world less receptive to female participation: “now that I reflect on it, they really gave me a hard time, but I persevered.”
With unwavering dedication to her art, Nazco moved to Madrid, teaching at the School of Art while developing her creative side.
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And with a complete commitment to her role as an artist, Nazco moved to Madrid to teach at the School of Art while nurturing her creative side.
During these years, a radical shift in the direction of her career occurred following motherhood. She returned to Tenerife, putting the international development of her artistic career on hold.
During this period, her career took a dramatic turn following motherhood. She returned to Tenerife, putting on hold the international growth of her artistic journey.
However, these “constraints”, in the artist’s own words, related to motherhood did not hinder her continuation as a painter, teacher, and researcher on a local and national level. Her dedication to art and culture has established her as one of the biggest artistic references in Canarias.
Nevertheless, these “obligations”, as described by the artist, tied to motherhood did not prevent her from pursuing her career as a painter, educator, and researcher at both local and national levels. Her commitment to art and culture has made her one of the major artistic figures in Canarias.
Art and culture are two key symbols of identity in Canarias. A land that has given birth to renowned and influential artists nationally and internationally like Pedro González or Enrique Lite, among others. A circle of intellectuals and artists of the time where Maribel herself has witnessed the importance of institutions and society in cultural development.
Art and culture play vital roles in the identity of Canarias. A land that has nurtured famous and impactful artists at national and global levels such as Pedro González or Enrique Lite. Maribel, amidst a circle of intellectuals and artists of her time, has recognised the significance of institutions and society in cultural progress.
In this context, Nazco highlights the role of Tenerife’s Insular Council in relation to culture and art: “I want to congratulate the Council, its president, Rosa Dávila, and the vice president because they are showing interest and, furthermore, their commitment to culture with wonderful facilities.” A development that the painter deems essential for societal advancement.
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Nazco emphasises the work of the Tenerife Insular Council in promoting culture and art: “I’d like to commend the Council, its president, Rosa Dávila, and the vice president for their interest and their strong support for culture through excellent infrastructure.” She views this progress as crucial for societal development.
According to the artist, with time, as we look back, “we will see the importance of the work carried out by the Council”. A reflection of her own work, which over the years and with the evolution of society, has garnered praise from both experts and the general public.
As time goes by, when we look back, “we will realise the significance of the Council’s efforts.” This parallels her own artwork, which has been praised by experts and the public alike over the years as society evolves.
Unbiased and unrestricted: that’s the oeuvre of Maribel Nazco, a survivor of her era who refused to acknowledge that she was stepping into a world dominated by men. A woman for whom, despite being honoured with the Gold Medal of the island of Tenerife, what truly matters is not accolades, but the dedication and honesty with oneself, picking ourselves up from failures, healing wounds, and starting anew each day.
