Born in Cuenca, Spain, in 1940, Miguel Zapata initially pursued law at the University of Madrid at his father’s insistence but found his true calling as an artist. Embracing a bohemian lifestyle, he honed his skills through self-directed education and survived by taking odd jobs and creating portraits in Madrid taverns. Moving to Barcelona in 1960, he joined an artist commune, followed by a stint in Paris designing sets and costumes for the theater.
Returning to Madrid in 1967, Zapata discovered an interest in medicine but was expelled from medical school for protesting fund misallocation. In 1972, he returned to Cuenca, focusing solely on his art. In 1986, his association with Texas began with an exhibition at the Meadows Museum in Dallas. Zapata’s art, blending imagery from the Spanish Golden Age and the Italian Renaissance, garnered international recognition.
By 1996, he had 70 solo exhibitions globally and established a connection with Valley House Gallery in Dallas. Zapata’s US commissions included a portrait of King Juan Carlos I, an exhibition for Pensacola’s 450th anniversary, and the iconic Texas Door at Texas State University-San Marcos in 2013, celebrating Texas history.
In 2013, Zapata returned to Spain after completing his work for an exhibition at Valley House Gallery. Miguel Zapata passed away after a brief illness on February 3, 2014 .