Pablo Picasso artwork at Galeria Mayoral
With dozens upon dozens of art galleries in Barcelona, you can be forgiven for cowering away when faced with the decision of picking one to visit. Barcelona Gallery Weekend is quite probably the answer to all these gallery qualms.
Barcelona Gallery Weekend
In its second year and back due to the raving success of the first edition, fifty-four venues opened their doors between the 29th of September and 2nd of October. With a variety in the exhibits that catered to every taste and reflecting the art scene itself, the artwork on show was diverse, and all encompassing. From the classics (Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí) to the new kids on the scene, the choice was plentiful.
Alongside exhibitions that were already showing in gallery spaces, performances were organised to promote and emphasise the event while taking advantage of the extra footfall. The event was organised flawlessly, with clear guides outlining clusters of galleries in various areas of Barcelona. Alongside a comprehensive online guide, every participating gallery was kitted up with the necessary maps and information for visitors to explore the surrounding area.
Robert Janz giving a demonstration in front of A34 Gallery
A highlight of the commitment to the public that went into this event was the organised gallery tours. Separated in the Born, Raval, Montjuïc, Eixample South and Eixample North areas, registration was open to the public to allow for an experienced guide to present the galleries of an area by taking the gallery route outlined online. With short but comprehensive talks from every gallery upon arrival, this was a surefire way of ticking all of the galleries of an area off with minimal effort.
Most of the galleries involved are quite small, making for a very intimate experience and a unique way to experience a large volume of art. Monotony is broken down with the change of venue and -sometimes – the featuring of a larger space such as the Fundació Joan Miró. Other highlights included meeting artists and witnessing demonstrations.
Here are some of highlights from the Eixample Sud route:
3 Punts Gallery, showing the work of Samuel Salcedo
The work of Samuel Salcedo was something to behold. In a small gallery a stone’s throw from Passeig de Gràcia station, orb like structures filled the empty cube space. Upon closer inspection, detailed facial expressions become apparent on each orb. Part face, part celestial body, the works (made of resin) beckon the viewer to ask the provenance of the objects. This exhibition can be visited until 15/10/2016.
Find the website here.
Address: Enric Granados, 21.
A34 Gallery, showing the work of Robert Janz
Recently the subject of a documentary (watch it here), Robert Janz is a force of nature. At the age of 84, he is still producing work constantly, working with everything from wire, to recycled clothes, to water on the pavement (ethereal work series). His work is on show at the exhibition until 12/11/2016.
Find the gallery website here.
Address: Carrer d’Aribau, 34.
Valeria Mayoral – Art Revolutionaries exhibition
For a fix of the more mainstream and recognisable art scene, Galeria Mayoral is ideal. Mixing the charm of small independent galleries with the expert curatorial look of larger institutions, this space aptly displays the works of some of the biggest names in art. Currently showing an exhibition called Art Revolutionaries, you can see artwork by Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Julio Gonzáles, amongst others). Art Revolutionaries is on show until 07/01/2017.
Find the gallery website here.
Address: Calle Consejo de Ciento, 286.
Even though only once a year, if you find yourself in Barcelona on any weekend other than this, the website is great for inspiration in terms of what galleries are in your area and worth visiting!
