MADRID, SPAIN.- Seville painter Luis Gordillo has received the 6th Visual Arts Velázquez Award 2007 from the King of Spain. In his speech after receiving the award, he went over his artistic career. Gordillo wanted to send a collective hug to all the artists that received the award before him, among whom he cited Antoni Tapies. Gordillo said of Tapies, “I revered him in my first years of painting, I have kept a friendly relationship and of mutual admiration.” Of Antonio López he said, is his “brother or partner in his road.”

The award goes to the collection of works created by the artist and it is given out by the Ministry of Culture. The award was given out in the Museo del Prado. The act was presided by the Kings of Spain and the Minister of Culture, Carmen Calvo.

The award comes with 90,000 euros, and was created by the M ministry of Culture in 2002. The winner of the award can choose another artist, younger that 35, to receive the Velázquez Scholarship with a 30.000 euros for a year. The Ministry of Culture will also organize an exhibition with the works of Luis Gordillo at the Reina Sofia Museum.