Not Into Art? Why Estepona’s David Crespo Art Exhibition Surprises Many
By George Nayda
21 September 2025
9 min read
LIFE IN SPAIN
Not Into Art? Why Estepona’s David Crespo Art Exhibition Surprises Many
Think you’re “not into art”? Estepona’s Casa de Las Tejerinas proves otherwise. Step inside David Crespo’s textured relief exhibition and you might leave seeing Spain and yourself differently.
The Surprise Behind the Gallery Door
I’ll be honest.
The first time someone invited me to an art exhibition in Spain, my instinct was: “That’s not for me.”
I imagined quiet rooms, paintings I wouldn’t understand, and people nodding knowingly while I stood there feeling out of place.
But here’s the loop: what I discovered in Estepona at Casa de Las Tejerinas wasn’t about art in the “serious” sense. It was about something else entirely, slowing down, noticing details, and reconnecting with a side of life I’d forgotten.
Which is why I want to tell you about David Crespo’s exhibition of textured relief paintings in Estepona. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as “an art person,” there are real reasons why this experience can matter for you, especially if you’re considering building a life in Spain.
Stick with me, because by the end of this article, you might just find yourself planning a visit not for the art, but for what the experience unlocks.
Who is David Crespo?
Every artist has a story. And David Crespo’s begins in Madrid, winds its way through London and Sydney, and eventually settles here on the southern coast of Spain.
Crespo (often signing his work as DCD ART) grew up surrounded by design and visual communication. He worked in advertising, graphic design, and creative projects for decades. But in recent years, something shifted: he turned toward a more tactile, personal form of expression — textured relief painting.
Think of it this way: most paintings invite you to look. Relief paintings invite you to feel, even if you don’t touch them. Crespo’s work has that quality.
His pieces aren’t flat; they rise and fall, casting shadows that shift as you move. They’re inspired by nature, erosion, sea waves, and the passage of time. And you don’t need to “understand art” to connect with them your eyes and emotions do the work for you.
That’s why his current exhibition in Estepona is more than a gallery visit. It’s a window into the way creativity shapes daily life here on the Costa del Sol.
What Makes Relief Paintings Different
Let’s pause for a moment. Imagine standing in front of a canvas.
Usually, what you see is color, brushstrokes, maybe a landscape or figure.
Now imagine that same canvas has depth. Layers of texture. Grooves and ridges that catch the light. From one angle, it looks calm. From another, it looks alive, almost in motion.
That’s the magic of relief painting. It sits somewhere between painting and sculpture. It’s not fully one or the other it’s both.
And that’s what makes Crespo’s work stand out. Instead of asking you to decode meaning, the art simply invites you to notice: the way light changes at different times of day, the patterns of nature, the beauty of imperfection.
Even if you’ve never connected with art before, this form is surprisingly accessible. You don’t have to “get it.” You just have to let your eyes explore.
Why Go If You’re Not Into Art?
This is where most people close the tab. “Art’s not for me.”
But here’s the twist: art exhibitions like Crespo’s aren’t really about art at all. They’re about life.
Think about it:
It’s free. No ticket cost, no pressure. Just walk in, see for yourself.
It’s a reset button. In a world of constant scrolling, an art exhibition forces you to slow down. Five minutes can feel like half an hour in the best way.
It’s a bridge into community. In Estepona, exhibitions attract locals, expats, and visitors. You meet people, hear conversations, and share impressions.
It’s inspiration without effort. Relief paintings spark ideas for your home, your lifestyle, and even how you see the textures of everyday Spain.
It’s a taste of depth. Relocating isn’t only about beaches and sunshine. It’s about discovering the culture that makes your new home richer.
Even if you’ve never stepped into a gallery, I can promise this: you’ll leave with at least one thought, feeling, or memory that stays with you.
A Walk Through Casa de Las Tejerinas
Picture this: you’re walking through Estepona’s old town. Narrow streets lined with flower pots, the smell of coffee drifting from cafés. Then you step into Casa de Las Tejerinas, right on Plaza de las Flores.
The building itself is historic, with whitewashed walls and high ceilings. Inside, light filters softly into Sala 1, where Crespo’s works hang.
There are around twenty pieces, each with a presence of its own. Some feel like landscapes eroded by time. Others look like fragments of the sea floor. You move from one to the next, not in silence, but in curiosity.
And the best part? You can see the change in people’s faces as they walk around. Couples pointing things out. Families pausing. A teenager scrolling less and looking more.
It’s not about prestige or pretension. It’s about presence.
And when you step back outside into the plaza, Estepona feels a little different. More alive, more layered. Just like the art you’ve seen.
How to Get the Most Out of the Experience
If you decide to go, don’t treat it like ticking a box. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Go slowly. Don’t rush. Let your eyes adjust. Relief paintings reward patience.
Change your angle. Move around the piece. Notice how shadows shift.
Listen to yourself. Forget about “right answers.” Ask: What does this remind me of? What do I feel?
Pair it with a walk. After the exhibition, wander through Estepona’s old town or take a coffee nearby. Let the art and the town blend into one memory.
Bring someone. Art is conversation fuel. You’ll notice things differently when you share impressions.
It’s not about becoming an art lover overnight. It’s about saying yes to a new experience.
Why This Matters for Life in Spain
What does this have to do with relocation, or buying a property on the Costa del Sol?
Everything.
When you move somewhere new, it’s easy to focus on the obvious the weather, the house, the golf courses, the beach. But long-term happiness doesn’t come only from sunshine. It comes from connection. From feeling like your home has depth, culture, layers you can keep discovering.
Attending an exhibition like David Crespo’s isn’t about art appreciation. It’s about proving to yourself that Spain can surprise you. That life here isn’t one-dimensional.
And when you realise that, you start to see your move differently. It’s not just a lifestyle upgrade. It’s an expansion of what you notice, what you value, and how you engage with your surroundings.
That’s why I’d argue: if you’re considering life on the Costa del Sol, step into Casa de Las Tejerinas at least once. Not to “understand” art, but to experience what makes Spain worth calling home.
The Thing You Didn’t Expect
So here’s the truth: I didn’t expect to enjoy that first exhibition years ago.
But walking through Estepona’s cultural heart, seeing relief paintings that felt alive, I realized something: sometimes the things you think aren’t for you are the ones that change your perspective the most.
And that’s why even if you’ve never considered yourself an “art person,” David Crespo’s exhibition might just surprise you.
Because in the end, it’s not about art. It’s about presence. About seeing Spain and maybe even yourself with fresh eyes.
Practical Info
Artist: David Crespo (DCD-ART)
Where: Casa de Las Tejerinas, Plaza de las Flores, Estepona
When: Until 30 September
Hours: Tues - Fri 9:00 - 20:00; Sat 9:00 - 14:00 & 16:00 - 20:00
Entry: Free
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