More than 800 works by the most representative artists of our time
Casa MER is the result of the determination, intuition and perseverance of its founders. Over four decades they have collected nearly 800 works of art, most of them dating from the last 50 years.
It constitutes a significant representation of today’s most reputable artists. Most of them widely recognized by critics, museums and international art markets.
History of the collection
“Elena Rueda and Marcos Martín Blanco first came into contact—as a married couple—with contemporary art through the artist Gerardo Rueda, in the late 1970s. This introduction instilled in them a growing interest and curiosity about art and its creation, and so they decided to dedicate some time to it, all the time necessary for learning how to look at it.
They began collecting contemporary Spanish art in the 1980s, in a cultural context marked by the emergence of new artistic expressions. From the very beginning their preference for painting was clear, although the Collection would subsequently open up to other techniques, such as drawing, photography and a bit of video.
The MER Collection does not follow a particular theme or chronological timeline, focusing, instead, on the relationships that are established as the Collection grows. It does not respond to a single vision, nor does it follow a linear order but—unlike a more solidly structured set of works—tends to gather pieces together whose union may spark multiple readings. The affinities between the different works—whether visual, conceptual, ideological, historical or simply coincidental—trigger a continually expanding web of ideas”.
María de Corral, Lorena M. De Corral y Cecilia Pereira (“MER Collection”)
Casa mer today
After the passing of Marcos and while Elena fights some health issues, their son, Rafael continues their legacy. He does so with passion and enhancing Casa Mer as a key actor in Spanish and European contemporary art.
The Foundation is currently working to adapt the collectors’ house and the current warehouses in Segovia into a House-Museum. Also pushing forward the project to adapt the Church of San Pedro de los Picos, which is annexed to the house, into a temporary exhibition. The Ministry of Culture and the Segovia City Hall are being key players to bring this to fruition. This accomplishment shall allow the city of Segovia to join the international contemporary art circuits as a significant destination.
Space
The House of the Collectors
The Collectors’ House is the most intimate and personal place of Casa MER, revealing the secrets behind the collectors’ way of life.
The residence was the trigger for their need to educate the gaze through art. It is the starting point when their curiosity led them to learn a new language.
Therefore, it is not only a unique space but an essential place to understand collecting in Spain.
The warehouse
The warehouse not only wows visitors but is where the soul of the house lays. They house the bulk of the collection, making it a unique place.
During the visit, the public has the opportunity to immerse themselves in a magical journey through contemporary art works. Almost reaching a cathartic experience.
The warehouse, like a time capsule, preserves the memory of the founding collector’s gaze. It host an unpublished treasure after more than 40 years of effort dedicated to their devotion to art.
The church of San Pedro de los Picos
First, the materialization of Segovia’s City Hall and the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to rehabilitate the church of San Pedro de los Picos, and then their support to cover the maintenance costs, shall allow its use as a museum space all together with the family house.
This space shall host curated temporary exhibitions that shall contribute to develop a curatorial discourse. Also, shall allow to carry out other educational activities promoted by the MER Foundation.
The garden
The garden is a natural space with spectacular views. A perfect haven of peace to get away from the hustle and bustle and contemplate nature as an extension of the magic of the space beyond the walls of Casa MER.
In the future, the rehabilitation of the garden is planned to host events or even as an extension of the exhibition space.
