Seek and ye shall find, the saying goes. And in a city like Barcelona, seekers of all persuasions tend to be rewarded by a pot of proverbial gold at the end of whatever rainbow turns them on. Immerse yourself in a reflection of creative action at these different art galleries and spaces around town.
Street
Montana Gallery
Curated by the notorious spray-paint company whose colours have transformed urban landscapes from around the world into utopian visions, social critiques and inspired expressions of passion and creativity, this exhibition space showcases the latest works by international graffiti and street artists.
A solo show by Levalet (France),“One Step Forward, Two Steps Back”, takes an ironic swipe at our urban culture of anticipation and obsolescence, until 12th Feb.
C/ Comerç 6
Erotic
Sexual desire has been experienced and expressed in countless ways since earliest times, and the symbolic language of different cultures gives a glimpse into many intimate inner worlds.
You’ll find everything from Stone Age phalluses to forbidden Japanese art, unique displays that include the personal erotic video collection of King Alfonso XII and sexual world records that will make your mind boggle.
La Rambla 96
Established
Many remarkable contemporary artists have presented their works in this elegant gallery since its inauguration in 1977. Its stylish Modernist interior currently frames a retrospective by Javier Mariscal until the 30th Jan, whose many accolades include the “Cobe” mascot chosen to represent the 1992 Olympic Games, and the Oscar nominated film “Chico and Rita” in 2010.
The next exhibition to open in February will be by sculptor Javier Corberó. Conferences, concerts and special events are organised regularly.
Rambla de Catalunya 47
Experimental
Two spaces. One vision. And an excellent eco-café next door. Il Salotto hosts a collection from the 40 year trajectory of the prolific Italian painter Michelangelo Pistoletto. Themes explored include art as a catalyst for aligning social development with nature.
Joachim Koester (Copenhagen) slips into the spaces between the mind-body-machine relationship in the Sala Project, with “Becoming One with the Machine”.
C/ Princesa 57
Emerging
Located just off La Rambla, this fast-paced collective promotes talented young artists. A collection of more than 800 pieces includes smaller contemporary Barcelona prints which make ideal gifts or souvenirs.
An exhibition space introduces a new artist each month. Irene Bou (Venezuela) investigates the marginal, unused objects in our environment which persist, despite their oblivion or isolation, in “Leftover Territories”, in January.
Passatge del Crèdit 4
