Hola readers,
Barcelona’s culture and history have always been rich with artistic value. This city is full of life and, with more famous artists than we can name, full of personality. Today we are going to take a look at the art of select artists of Barcelona–beginning with a couple well-known names in its architectural movement, moving to a pair of famous painters heavily influenced by the area, and ending with two literary leaders from the city.
If you are a student or young worker moving to Barcelona and looking to study the scope of the arts held here, you should check out a shared flat in the city. A room in this style of accommodation is perfect because it will help you find friends to grow and learn with, while helping to teach you the language, lowering your housing costs, and making you more comfortable with the area. Now, let’s get back to business; let’s get back art.
Architecture:
Often you will hear “Barcelona” and “Gaudí” in the same sentence. World renowned architect Antoni Gaudí designed many of the architectural feats that come to mind when you think of Barcelona. His work shaped much of what Catalan Modernism would become; his influence on the city was immense. Legendary works like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell were his masterpieces, but his works rest throughout the city.
Though the city may be known as Gaudí’s, Lluís Doménech I Montaner is widely held to have begun the Catalan Modernism movement with his work the Castell dels Tres Dragons. In his time, alongside his architecture, Doménech held an active political life and wrote influential articles and books, namely ‘En Busca de una Arquitectura Nacional’, which established the necessity of a unique national architectural style, leading to what we now know as Catalan Modernisme.
Painting:
Though not born in Barcelona, Pablo Picasso spent his young teenage years living in the city, becoming heavily influenced by the area and growing to think of it as home. By the time he was 10, his father had given up painting, claiming that Pablo had already surpassed him in talent. After a few years in Madrid skipping classes at the San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts, Picasso returned to Barcelona–ending his academic career and beginning his artistic.
Influential artist Joan Miró was born to a watchmaker in Barcelona and, as a child, was advised to quit art and find a more stable way to live. After being ridiculed for his work, Miró was drawn to Paris where he met his friend and mentor, Picasso. Always pushing into new territory with his work, Miró can never truly be pinned down to a specific format. His works–from paintings to collages and sculptures–can be found throughout Barcelona.
Literature:
Considered one of the greatest Spanish writers of the 20th century, Mercè Rodoreda is the author of La Plaça del Diamant. This novel, one of the most acclaimed pieces of fiction in Catalan literature, has been translated into more than 30 languages and is a must read whether or not you are interested in Catalan literature. Though her works have distinct ties to the city, surprisingly, many of her works were written while she was in exile in France and Switzerland.
Born in Barcelona but exiled to Mexico for 23 years, Pere Calders steadily wrote until his death. His most well-received works such as Cróniques de la veritat oculta and Gent de l’alta vall were written during his time in exile. He mainly produced short stories, many of which discussed issues involving the struggles of exile like a deep longing for home, that sung true to many Catalans.
When walking through Barcelona, its distinct combination of art and culture is evident at every corner. If you’re still looking for a room in the city, check out the neighborhoods we have discussed to figure out which area is best for you! If you have any questions or suggestions for us, feel free to leave a comment for us here. Thank you for checking out our blog!
Hasta luego,
Your helpBarcelona team