María Zambrano about Art. Dialogues with Juan Soriano

Abstract

This article is a narrative review of the reflections of María Zambrano (Vélez-Málaga, 1904-Madrid, 1991) on art inspired by her relationship with the painters Juan Soriano (Guadalajara-México, 1920-México City, 2006). I use a flexible methodology as a tribute to Zambrano's own style that claimed literature as a form of philosophical writing. My writing is based on the diaries of the philosopher, the correspondence between her and the painter mentioned, the writings of Zambrano for the exhibition catalogues and my own personal experience in conversation with María Zambrano when working for her during the last years of her life. Some of the central themes in Zambrano's philosophy are based on his reflections on art, such as the value of contemplation and the importance of training the gaze, the multiplicity of times or the solitude of creation.