Spain, in particular its capital Barcelona has long been known for the astounding host of avant-garde artists that have lived in its midst. With the likes of Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso and Francisco Goya originating from the country, visitors to Spain have been forever spoiled by its host of fine art creations. On top of this, the country’s deep rooted design and architectural inspirations mean that today, Barcelona is guaranteed to astound and impress from both an artistic and architectural point of view.
So as well as exploring the many galleries why not take a stroll through the streets of Barcelona to get your free fill of the artistic vanguard with their edgy and contemporary style.
Street Art in Barcelona
‘The Hotel Fira’ (2009), by architect Toyo Ito, was met with a mix between adulation and disappointment as its creator pushed the boundaries of design. However what most people do agree upon is how exquisitely it complements Gaudi’s creations.
The Frank Gehry ‘Fish’(c.1992), an enormous steel sculpture, provides the entrance to the Olympic Park. The installation follows the fashion of all Gehry’s work, such as the Guggenheim in Bilbao and The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles providing a structure that captures the eye and imagination of anyone passing by.
‘Gas Natural Headquarters’ (2006) by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, the twenty storey glass building, is a mix between volume and originality which affords a different perspective from the sea, city and coastal ring. A surprising building, which really makes every visitor re-think what is architecturally possible.
The ‘Torre Agbar’ (2004), by Jean Nouvel, is a reinforced concrete, steel and glass building incorporating 25 different colours. It is a work of art in itself and effortlessly rivals the Old Masters, in form and colouring.
‘The Media TIC Building’ (2010) was created by the firm Cloud-9 with director Enric Ruiz-Geli and was intended as a symbol of the digital world. With a mix between glass, plastic, squares and circles, the building certainly encapsulates the modern era.
The ‘Forum Building’ (2004) was designed by Jacques Herzog and Pierre du Meuron. A harsh building created of angular mirrors and glazed strips, it is a structure that can’t be ignored in the capital city.
So don’t tread the beaten path when visiting Barcelona, dip into today’s avant-garde, and explore a truly contemporary art world.
