Elena Fortún (1886–1952), pseudonym of Encarnación Aragoneses, is an essential figure in Spanish literature. Her most emblematic creation, the series of stories about Celia, transformed children’s narrative by offering a critical, humorous, original and deeply psychological voice at a time when girls could hardly express their own identity.

Her work, marked by the Spanish Civil War, exile and an intense personal search, reflects the difficulties of being a woman in a historically adverse moment.

The exhibition coincides with the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, in which we highlight the lasting relevance of her vision and the importance of recovering fundamental women authors such as Elena Fortún.

In recent years, the recovery, editing and re-editing of titles such as Celia in the revolution (translated by Michael Ugarte) and Hidden path (translated by Jeffrey Zamostny) has made it possible to reaffirm the significance of this writer, whose work illuminates with honesty and courage the intimate and social conflicts of her time. Today her legacy finally occupies the place it deserves within Spanish literature.