Cesar Manrique

Introduction

Cesar Manrique was an artist who changed the face and course of Lanzarote. Through his observations on the effects of tourism on other Canary Islands he influenced the Lanzarote policians to prevent the same thing happening. He created art, sculptures and tourist attractions on Lanzarote.

About Cesar Manrique

Cesar Manrique Cabrera was born on 24th of April 1919 and died on the 25th of September 1992 near his house in Tahiche at the age of 73. He grew up in Caleta de Famara, fought in the Spanish civil war and studied architecture in Tenerife.

In 1945 he studied art in Madrid. In 1964 he moved to New York and exhibited his work at the Catherine Viviano gallery. In 1966 he returned to Lanzarote to start an artists sanctuary. He was friends with the president of Lanzarote where they worked on preserving the Lanzarote culture and augmenting it for tourism.

Cesar worked tirelessly in the fields or art, culture and tourism in Lanzarote. He worked on Jameos del Agua, his house in Tahiche, the restaurant in the Castillo del San Jose, Timanfaya National Park, the Mirador del Rio, his house in Haria and the cactus gardens in Guatiza.

The Legacy of Cesar Manrique

Through his work and influence Manrique totally changed the future of Lanzarote. The island now exudes a respect for its history and culture and moves ahead with laws in place to protects its future.