The new “ sample : ‘Habitus et praxis: Body, Clothing, and Tradition’” reexamines the “ bequest ” by Ortiz Echagüe from a sociological and contemporary perspective on how tradition is embodied through habit.

The University of Navarra Museum is opening today the exhibition "Habitus et Praxis: Body, Clothing, and Tradition", an “ project ” curated by Montaña González and Andrea Mirón, graduates of the “ Master's Degree ” in the “ programs of study de Comisariado” program at the University of Navarra (MUN). “ sample ” offers a contemporary interpretation of José Ortiz Echagüe’s work through a selection of photographs from his series “España mística” (1943), which belong to the artist’s “ bequest ,” a collection donated to the University of Navarra in 1981. From a sociological perspective, * exhibition * explores how clothing serves as a visible manifestation of beliefs and identities that are embodied through daily * internship * and collective ritual. 

Located at the Floor -1, the “ sample ” exhibition is on view at the Ortiz Echagüe space, which opened in 2025 with the support of ATValor, business , which has family ties to the artist. 

The conceptual core of the “ exhibition ” stems from the various meanings of the word “habit”: from the physical garment to the custom acquired through repetition. This dual dimension engages with the sociological concept of “habitus,” formulated by Pierre Bourdieu, to analyze how ways of thinking, acting, and relating to one another are internalized through bodily and shared experience. Thus, the photographs invite us to observe how beliefs and traditions manifest themselves in the body, in gestures, and in shared practices.

THREE THEMATIC AREAS

" sample " is organized into three sections that guide visitors from the technical process to the community experience. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the relationship between representing, inhabiting, and practicing. 

The first, “Direct Charcoal on Fresson Paper: Constructing the Image,” offers a glimpse into the technical process Ortiz Echagüe used to shape his works. Direct charcoal on Fresson paper allows for a wide range of tones and enables the artist to control light, shadow, texture, and contrast.

The second, *Monacato: Embracing a Way of Life*, explores the intimate world of Carthusian, Cistercian, and Franciscan communities. In these images, the religious habit is not merely a garment that signifies membership in a community, but also an expression of a way of life. It structures the rhythms, silence, and daily routines of community life.
 

The third theme, “Popular Spirituality: When the ‘ internship ’ Becomes Collective,” shifts the focus to the streets and public spaces where processions, pilgrimages, and religious festivals take place. Unlike monastic habits, the attire worn in these rituals is adopted temporarily as part of the ritual and highlights how tradition is passed down through observation, imitation, and shared experience.

bequest JOSÉ ORTIZ ECHAGÜE

The selection of photographs from *Mystical Spain* reflects the curators’ interest in exploring the relationship between habit, praxis, and habitus. Montaña González explains that the choice of this series is based on a conceptual rationale: “to articulate a reflection on clothing not as an isolated aesthetic element, but as an active and concrete way of inhabiting the world.” The curators emphasize that the focus shifts from the portrait to the everyday actions and practices that give meaning to the experience. 

The presence of scenes from monastic life alongside images of pilgrimages and processions also allows us to explore how traditions are passed down both through daily repetition and through participation in collective rituals. For the curators, Ortiz Echagüe’s photographs bring to light this process of intergenerational transmission, in which observation, imitation, and physical experience play a fundamental role.

Master's Degree AT programs of study CURATORIAL

The " exhibition " is the " result " of the curatorial process described at research and development , carried out by Montaña González and Andrea Mirón as part of the " Master's Degree " at , organized by the MUN Curatorial Department ( programs of study ). The " training " has allowed them to delve deeper into the knowledge of the various disciplines involved in the conceptualization of a curatorial project .

Andrea Mirón particularly highlights the opportunity to develop the “ research ” alongside professionals from various fields. And Montaña adds that this process has allowed them to better understand the potential of historical photography as a “ tool ” for reflecting on current issues, beyond its historical value. 

 

HABITUS AND PRAXIS: BODY, CLOTHING, AND TRADITION 

Artists: José Ortiz Echagüe Curators: Montaña González and Andrea Mirón Produced by: University of Navarra Museum Dates: October 16, 2026 – April 18, 2027 Venue: Espacio Ortiz Echagüe Floor -1

Press site: https://museo.unav.edu/prensa/habitus-et-praxis