The former president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, was in Altea on Monday to offer his condolences to the widow of artist Pepe Azorín, with whom he shares a deep friendship. The tribute took place at Palau Altea, where the painter's last exhibition, titled Temps a Altea, is on display.

Puig toured the exhibition accompanied by the artist's widow and PSPV officials from the Marina Baixa region, including Altea's mayor, Diego Zaragozí, councilors Deo Sánchez, Anna Lanuza, and Jose M Borja, and the regional secretary of the PSPV, Mayte García. The exhibition, which Azorín inaugurated a few months ago, showcases his intense work in drawings created over a year and a half.

Pepe Azorín, born in Yecla but strongly linked to Altea through his work as a teacher at IES Bellaguarda, passed away on March 15 at the age of 86. His work is characterized by embraced nude torsos, rough and protective hands, and hands holding carob tree branches, reflecting his passion for creation.

The artist leaves an indelible mark on Altea, not only through his teachings but also through emblematic sculptural works such as El abrazo, which is part of the Altean landscape, and Dibuixar l'Espai, located on the University of Alicante campus.