Currently, in the art world, one of the names that resonates most is that of the famous artist Jaume Plensa. After a long career full of successes in various artistic fields, Plensa has become an example of a multidisciplinary artist, having left his personal mark in many of the existing artistic disciplines. From his enormous sculptural productions to his symbolic paintings, and even the arduous task of setting the stage for an opera at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, we can see that Jaume Plensa has dared all kinds of artistic adventures that have made him the international artist that we all know.
His artistic narrative
His work made an impact on the other side of the pond thanks to his interactive video sculpture «Crown Fountain», located in Chicago’s Millennium Park. This production managed to catapult his international fame, a clear example being the large number of Plensa‘s works housed in institutions and countries around the world such as «Endless» at the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art (USA), «Wonderland» in Calgary (Canada) or «Nomade» in Antibes (France). His sculptures and public art installations, for which he is mostly known, always invite to silent contemplation, to connect with spirituality, with the body and with the collective memory. His pieces incite deep reflection and establish a necessary dialogue between the individual and his critical spirit, in order to make visible social issues such as the violation of human rights, oppression, inequalities or injustices.
To convey all this narrative based on awareness, a common point that connects all his projects is the monumentality that surrounds all his works. Not only when talking about their dimensions, but rather when trying to understand the reason for this grandeur that makes us feel part of the social struggle. His faces with closed eyes, his sculptures of pensive bodies or his installations composed with letters of various alphabets, are the proof of a humanity that must activate the five senses, meditate on the context that surrounds it and dissolve borders to unite in the same language: that of harmony and peace.
From Galeria SENDA we want to give a warm applause to this Catalan artist who has managed to break boundaries and expose an art designed to be shown to the world. So that his works continue to impact the lives of many people and urban scenarios in all countries of the world. So that the narratives of his projects and the impact they have on our society continue to be awarded.
The countdown has begun. ARCO Madrid is just around the corner and from Galeria SENDA we are finishing all the details so that this year we can show you in our stand, 9B23, the latest creations of our beloved artists of the house.
For our thirty-first participation in ARCO, one of the most influential fairs on the international scene, we have invited those who are pillars of our identity and history as a gallery, as well as new young and emerging proposals.
This year we are very happy to show you part of Jordi Bernadó‘s new photographic project, “LAST & LOST“. This series of eight photographs, shown in a solo exhibition at Galeria SENDA and part of a larger project, question the ecological and philosophical challenges of the present, dealing with issues such as sustainability, the relationship between technology and nature, the horizons of our future or the role that democracy will play in the fight against new environmental threats. The photographs in “LAST & LOST” portray lost places, endangered ecosystems, areas rendered unfit for habitation due to pollution, and life forms struggling to survive in practically barren landscapes. The artist becomes, then, a witness and spectator of ecological catastrophes in an ambiguous state between existing and not being able to be; just surviving.
Jordi Bernadó. Old Tjikko, Mörkret, Sweden (S 6.2)cc (2022) UV printing on methacrylate, mounted on dibond., 180 x 240 cm
Another of the artists that backbone and shape the personality of our gallery is Jaume Plensa, the famed sculptor from Barcelona with an unparalleled international projection. For this edition of ARCO Madrid, Plensa presents his work based on contradictions: light and darkness, the trace of the past and the opening towards the future, natural contradictions and the creations of man’s hand, the immensity of noise and the most intimate spheres of silence.
Jaume Plensa. Who Are You? VI (2016) Bronze, 38 x 15 x 15 cm
In contrast, Anthony Goicolea shows us that art can mean brutality, capturing in his plastic works the different prisms and perspectives of social issues such as gender, culture or traditions. Goicolea pours into his artwork his personal and family history, marked by being born Cuban, being gay and practicing the Catholic religion in the south of the country in the early seventies. These factors forged his awareness of social constructions, such as regional traditions or rituals, and how these elements influence and define our identities. In this edition of ARCO, Goicolea will show works in graphite and on oil, where visitors will be able to find themselves in front of subjects that could well be taken from theatrical performances or novels.
Anthony Goicolea. The Magician’s (2023) Oil on canvas, 127 x 254 cm
Another artist invited to exhibit at our stand at ARCO Madrid is the Chilean Sandra Vásquez de la Horra. Through a multiplicity of techniques ranging from three-dimensional pieces, charcoal, watercolor and wax; Vásquez de la Horra traces bodies that she conceives as geographical entities. These bodies, now territories, are divided into two planes: the physical-terrestrial and the mystical. In the physical aspect, the artist narrates with her work the political charge of the people’s resistance against the Chilean dictatorship. On the other hand, in the mystical aspect, Vásquez de la Horra takes the concept of the seven planes or chakras to dialogue in unison between the universe and the Earth.
Sandra Vásquez de la Horra. Las Cholitas (2024) Graphite and watercolor on waxed paper, 106 x 77 cm
It is also characterized by the creation of unique and fantastic forms, Evru Zush. With a mix of techniques and disciplines, Zush presents his “Naga” series, made up of creatures that seem to come out of a science fiction movie.
Evru Zush. Serie Naga(2018) Graphite on paper, 24.7 x 9.7 cm
In addition, we will have the presence of the Valencian Elena del Rivero, an established artist who, from New York, continues to produce her artistic projects. Elena Del Rivero‘s work is divided into two lines: a historical one, exploring the collective pain of loss, and a personal one, focused on the construction of existential pillars.
Elena del Rivero. Flying Letter #24(2011-2014) Drawing, 73 x 54.6 x 21.5 cm
Stephan Balkenhol will also participate in ARCO Madrid with his wooden work “Man with pink tie“. Balkenhol has managed over the years to establish himself as an artist who perseveres to reintroduce figurative sculpture in the current contemporary scene. His polychrome works are characterized by the contrast between the splinters and shavings that Balkenhol leaves when he effusively carves the raw material of his creations, wood, and the polished areas of the same.
Stephen Balkenhol. Man with pink tie (2022) Carved wood, 120 x 95.5 x 11.7 cm
Another artist of monumental carvings that joins ARCO is Madrid-born Gonzalo Guzmán. The artist presents in this edition of ARCO his new sculptural project through which Guzmán has tried to explore the inner self using lucid dreams as tools of inspiration and self-knowledge to create works that challenge our belief system. This is why his sculptures represent the metallic structures that appear in his dreams and explore the possibility of reproducing the sublime of the subconscious in reality.
Gonzalo Guzmán. Menhir_06(2023) Stainless steel, 275 x 100 x 60 cm
Committed to seduce the eye with the works he creates in order to invite reflection, Gino Rubert represents experiences and emotions through a fusion of artistic disciplines. With a complex technique that mixes the collage of photographs and everyday materials with acrylic and oil, the artist represents the figure of the new woman and the new man, their functions, dysfunctions, conflicts and rhetoric.
Gino Rubert. La Barana (2024) Mixed/canvas, 55 x 46 cm
Yago Hortal maintains a close relationship between the artwork itself and the action painting itself. For Hortal, the canvas is part of a performance in which the artist consciously creates spontaneous color forms in an infinite range, expressing passion and vivacity. The paint seems to come out of the canvas, provoking the desire to want to touch it.
Another artist who stands out for his spectacular composition is Xavi Bou. With his well-known series “Ornitographies“, a chronophotography project that reveals the invisible patterns that birds trace in the sky when they fly, Bou creates a balance between art and science and, in turn, builds a series of works loaded with visual poetry that hypnotize viewers.
Xavi Bou. ORNITOPGRAPHY #275 (2018-2019) Digital print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl 285 gr/m2, 140 x 200 cm
Peter Halley will be in our Artist Project space as an artist, with a solo show that connects his past stages with his most recent work. In this exhibition visitors will be able to analyze in detail the artist’s most emblematic piece: “Exploding Cell” (1983). The animation that represents this computer is directly inspired by the Cold War and its ravages.
This year we will also be able to enjoy the work of multidisciplinary artist Glenda León, both in our general program and as a guest in the special session entitled “La orilla, la marea, la corriente: un Caribe oceánico“, an exhibition space within ARCO with 23 guest artists that will be curated by Sara Hermann, chief curator of the Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes (Dominican Republic), and Carla Acevedo-Yates, from the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Glenda León. Sueño concreto de Miró (2022) Concrete and acrylic, 20 x 20 x 7 cm
We look forward to seeing you in the corridors of ARCO enjoying the art that will be condensed these days in Madrid and that, of course, we can meet at stand 9B23 of the gallery. If you want to be surprised with a wide and rich gallery proposal in disciplines, you will always have a corner where you can escape from the overwhelming atmosphere that a fair as imposing as ARCO can cause. SENDA will always be a space, the path, where you can find yourself again.
Currently, the work of Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa can be seen in numerous venues around the world, including the exhibition at La Pedrera in Barcelona from March 31st through July 23rd, 2023. However, beyond this exhibition, Plensa‘s work is diverse and complex, and deserves an in-depth review. In this article, we want to explore his work beyond his current exhibition in Barcelona, and highlight his time in our gallery over the years.
From March 31st, at La Pedrera, you will be able to discover the most intimate and unknown Plensa in an exhibition that, for the first time, reveals the influence that literature, language and the alphabet have had on his work.
Installation of Jaume Plensa’s work at La Pedrera
This exhibition is a unique opportunity to delve into the most particular work of this internationally renowned sculptor. With a career spanning from the late twentieth century to the present, Jaume Plensa has stood out for his work on the human figure, where he often fuses matter, words and music in a constant dialogue. This exhibition, curated by Javier Molins, will show some of the artist’s most representative pieces, as well as his evolution over the years.
Jaume Plensa during the installation of his work at La Pedrera
From Galeria SENDA, having exhibited the sculptor’s work on more than one occasion, we are thrilled that the city of Barcelona receives it in such an honorable way. It makes us especially excited to remember his passage through the gallery, which never goes unnoticed.
At the end of 2016, Jaume Plensa held his first exhibition at Galeria SENDA: «El Bosc Blanc», after 7 years without exhibiting in Barcelona, his hometown. Plensa presented a work that confronted what is shown with what is hidden, the past with the future, the natural construction with the creation by the hand of man, and the sound vibration with silence.
Gallery view, 2016
Gallery view, 2016
The exhibition consisted of various sculptures of young, female faces representing individuality within the social collectivity. The white pieces, “Lou“, “Duna” and “Isabella“, seemed to float on the floor and were complemented by graphite drawings on the wall. Plensa sought for the viewer to connect with the pieces and find their own path through the works placed in the space.
At the end of 2020, he returned to present a new exhibition «La Llarga Nit» at Galeria SENDA, in which he praised the mysterious time of the night, capable of inspiring the soul of poets. The works in the exhibition presented sleeping and silent figures, with a lyrical and contemplative dimension. Plensa suggests that, by having to stop the machinery of doing, humanity is putting into function the machinery of thinking, generating new ways of living in the world. The exhibition included suspended sculptures, works on paper, among other works.
Gallery view, 2020
Gallery view, 2020
In addition, beyond the exhibitions, Plensa accompanied us on two occasions last year. The first time he participated with Javier Molins in a talk that took place at the gallery on the occasion of the presentation of the book “Artists in the Nazi camps”. In this talk, Plensa and Molins shared their reflections on the work of artists who were victims of the Holocaust and its importance in the history of art. The second occasion was also in 2022, when he participated in another talk together with photographer Jean-Marie del Moral and journalist Màrius Carol during the presentation of the book «Interior, 2022» by By Publications. In this #SENDATalks, they shared their experiences and reflections on art and creativity in today’s world.
However, even further back in time, in 2017, German sculptor Stephan Balkenhol and Jaume Plensa met on the gallery’s mezzanine to talk about «Sculptures and Public Space» in a dialogue about their trajectory and their interest in promoting sculpture as a value for society and culture.
We are grateful to have been able to witness Plensa‘s unwavering commitment to contemporary art and the opportunity to present his work in a gallery in his own city.
This was already announced by Richard Wagner when he coined the term “Gesamtkunstwerk”, referring to opera as a total work of art that integrates the six arts: painting, sculpture, music, poetry, dance and architecture.
The Wagnerian ideal seeks a fusion between all the participatory elements of opera, as Jaume Plensa, known for his multifaceted artistic vision, has done. The Catalan artist has taken on the challenge of directing the stage production of the opera Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona.
Verdi’s well-known opera premieres this February 16 under the direction of Josep Pons, with a powerful aesthetic and ritual presence of Jaume Plensa. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the artist confesses that “it is one of the most profound and interesting reflections on duality between body and soul, between abstraction and matter“.
Plensa affirms that “it is one of Shakespeare’s most mental plays, because we have all been Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and other characters in the play at one time or another“, which is addressed “to the deepest sense of the human being“. All in all, for Plensa, Macbeth represents a deeply introspective theatrical work that resonates with the universal human experience. He explains that each character in the play is a representation of diverse aspects of the human being, inviting the viewer to explore his or her own psyche through the operatic narrative.
“I wanted to make a completely mental opera, to see in each scene moments that are like us, we have all been characters in the piece at one time or another“. Through the costumes, with most costumes out of his time, working on the choreography with Antonio Ruiz and lighting with Urs Schönebaum, Jaume Plensa aims to bring the viewer a more spiritual vision of the work, capturing in the best possible way the journey through the imaginary characteristic of the sculptor. His goal is to take the viewer on a spiritual journey through the rich imaginary that characterizes his work as a sculptor.
Last Wednesday, January 18, 2023 will remain engraved in the memory of the children of the Fundación Comtal, an organization that has been working tirelessly since 1994 to provide opportunities for the future to children, adolescents and young people in vulnerable situations and their families. On this special occasion, on the occasion of “World Selfie Day in Museums”, they had the privilege of visiting Galeria SENDA.
From the moment they set foot in the gallery, the young people were greeted with a warm welcome and a detailed explanation of the current exhibition: “Love Song” by renowned artist Elena Del Rivero. Excited by the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of contemporary art, they listened attentively as the story and meaning behind each work of art on display at SENDA was narrated to them.
After absorbing all the information about the exhibition, came the most exciting moment of the visit. As part of the scheduled activity, each child was invited to choose one of the works on display in the gallery to study it closely. With pencils and paper in hand, they immersed themselves in a world of creativity and expression. With each stroke, they tried to capture the essence and beauty of the surrounding artwork. From the vibrant colors to the smallest details, each child let their imagination run wild as they brought their own interpretation of the works to life.
Amidst laughter and murmurs of excitement, the young people shared their creations with each other, enthusiastically describing every detail they had captured in their drawings. For many of them, this experience was much more than just an artistic exercise; it was a unique opportunity to express their emotions and unleash their creativity.
As the visit came to an end, the young people left Galeria SENDA with a sense of satisfaction and pride in what they had accomplished. For them, this experience was not only an opportunity to explore the world of art, but also a reminder that, despite the challenges they face in their daily lives, they have the power to create beauty and meaning around them.
In short, “World Selfie Day at Museums” was not only a celebration of art, but also a reminder of the positive impact art can have on the lives of children, especially those who need it most. Although it may seem like a global, absurd and little-known day, it is thanks to such oddities that art never dies. Moreover, thanks to initiatives such as the one proposed by Galeria SENDA for this celebration, art continues to be a beacon of hope and creativity for future generations. Because, as the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, said: “Without art, life would be a mistake“.
Chus Roig, partner and co-founder of the gallery during the explanation with the Fundació Comtal group
Here are some of the most outstanding drawings that the children of the Fundació Comtal created for this initiative, along with their respective original work:
Jaume Plensa Martina (2022) Wood, 140 x 32 x 44 cm
Túlio Pinto Complicity #29 (2021) Steel and glass, 140 x 40 x 96 cm
Stephan Balkenhol Man with pink tie (2022) Wood, 120 x 95.5 x 11.7 cm
Elena Del Rivero #102 (2020) Collage with damaged and recovered fragments of acrylic on canvas, oil, thread and canvas plastered on museum board, 29 x 23 cm
Evru Zush Girls Of My Life (1988) Oil on paper, 92 x 184 cm
The Círculo Ecuestre is organizing this year 2022 its third edition of By Invitation: Círculo Internacional de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo, at the club’s headquarters, located at 169 Bis Balmes Street. From December 14 to 18, twenty-three galleries, both national and international, have been chosen to exhibit representative works of modern and contemporary art in this Barcelona space. The By Invitation initiative arose from the mind of businessman and politician Enrique Lacalle, vice-president of the Círculo Ecuestre, in response to the need to offer the city of Barcelona a unique artistic event in an exclusive environment that makes attendees feel part of a special circle. Such has been the success of this annual exhibition that this year the Círculo Ecuestre is hosting the event for the third consecutive year.
For this edition of By Invitation 2022, we present part of the collections of some of the artists that make up the essence of Galeria SENDA. Firstly, the internationally known Jaume Plensa will exhibit his spectacular bronze sculpture “Study for Martina” as well as his work on paper “Dee“. His projects, characterized by monumentality and the exploration of the duality between the material and the immaterial, stand out for his ability to create sculptures that transcend the physical and explore the human essence and communication. Plensa is recognized for his public sculptures located in cities around the world, which awaken reflection and emotional connection with the viewer.
Joining this artistic event are the works of Antoni Tàpies, the prominent Catalan artist known for his contribution to the informal art movement or informalism and for his exploration of matter and textures in his artistic representations. Tàpies developed a distinctive style that combined abstract elements with symbols and signs charged with meaning. His work reflects his interest in the spiritual and metaphysical, using everyday materials such as soil, sand and found objects to create a unique artistic expression that challenges the traditional conventions of art. Tàpies left a lasting legacy in Spanish and international contemporary art, being recognized as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Part of his legacy will be exhibited in this edition of By Invitation with works such as “LLULL XXXIV” or “Polze núm.2“.
North American Peter Halley will also be exhibiting at the Círculo Ecuestre this year. Peter Halley is an outstanding artist whose work has left a profound mark on the international art scene. Recognized for his participation in the neo-geo movement of the 1980s, Halley uses geometry as a language to explore space and time in our contemporary society. His works, with cold, rectilinear geometric forms, reflect the closed and often oppressive order of our urban environment. Through his characteristic roll-a-tex texture and expressive use of color, Halley establishes connections to Pop Art and mass culture, offering a critical and reflective look at our social and political reality.
Yago Hortal and his monumental canvases will be hanging on the walls of By Invitation III. Born in Barcelona, he is an artist noted for fusing chance and consciousness in his creative process, turning the canvas into a vibrant stage where color comes to life. His expressive and passionate style invites the viewer to experience tactile sensations, creating a unique connection between the work and the viewer. A dozen of his canvases can be seen on the walls of the Círculo Ecuestre.
Xavi Bou‘s chronophotographic work will also be on display for this new edition. A geologist by training and photographer by passion, Bou has fused his love for the natural sciences with his artistic ability to reveal the hidden beauty of nature. Inspired by his experiences in the wetlands of the Llobregat delta, Bou has developed his most emblematic project, “Ornithographies,” which captures the invisible patterns traced by birds in the sky during flight. Through a unique combination of art and science, Bou has managed to challenge human perception and offer a new perspective of the natural world. This exhibition will feature three of his photographs from “Ornithographies“.
Túlio Pinto and his sculptural work “Complicity #34” will be present as part of SENDA‘s gallery proposal for By Invitation 2022. The Brazilian sculptor defies physical laws through his work, creating tensions and balances that defy gravity. With a background in Fine Arts and specialization in sculpture, Pinto uses a variety of opposing materials, such as cement, iron and frozen water, to achieve a unique harmony in his works.
Galeria SENDA‘s latest proposal is Gonzalo Guzmán, a sculptor from Madrid who, in his recent projects, uses lucid dreams as a source of inspiration and inner exploration in his art. His sculptures, which represent the metallic structures of his dreams, challenge the limits of reality and perception. By questioning our beliefs through art, Guzmán invites us to reflect on the world around us and our relationship with it.
In collaboration with Lab36, we will also exhibit works by Albert Pinya and Mina Hamada. Pinya, a multidisciplinary artist, explores human duality and social tensions through his works. With a provocative style and vibrant palette, he addresses themes such as identity, power and contemporary culture. His paintings and sculptures, charged with symbolism and energy, incite the viewer to question the complexity of the modern world and human interactions. On the other hand, multicultural artist Hamada fuses influences from East and West in her expressive murals and artworks. With a palette of warm colors and organic forms, Hamada invites the viewer to explore her dream world, where youth and philosophical depth intertwine harmoniously.
LAB36 – Booth E9
Galeria SENDA – Booth E9
Xavi Bou & Gonzalo Guzmán
Carlos Durán & Enrique Lacalle
Albert Pinya
Installation shot 2020
Installation shot 2021
As this is a private social club, access to enjoy the exhibitions is by invitation only. To obtain one of these, please contact the gallery in advance. In addition, and in parallel to the exhibition, there will be a series of conferences related to the works presented. For more information about the By Invitation III program, click on the following link https://byinvitation.es/ and discover every detail of this new edition.
Comprising nearly a hundred works, the exhibition covers Jaume Plensa’s production from 1990 to the present and has as a common thread the influence of literature and literature in his artistic production.
This morning, the Fundación Bancaja presented the exhibition “Jaume Plensa. Poetry of silence“, one of the largest retrospectives to date of one of the most renowned sculptors in international contemporary art. The exhibition reviews the artistic production of Jaume Plensa during four decades with the original influence of literature and letters in his work as a common thread, being the first retrospective to be developed from the prism of this creative universe that has been a constant throughout his career. The presentation was attended by Jaume Plensa; the president of the Fundación Bancaja, Rafael Alcón; and the curator of the exhibition, Javier Molins.
Installation shot, Poetry of Silence
Installation shot, Poetry of Silence
The exhibition is made up of about a hundred pieces dating from 1990 to the present, based on his sculptural work but also including works on paper. The exhibition tour reveals to the public some unpublished sculptures created by Plensa during the COVID-19 confinement, which are presented for the first time. The pieces presented include the iconic sculpture “Together” (2014), which was exhibited in 2015 at the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore during the Venice Biennale and has not been exhibited since.
The artist Jaume Plensa for TV3
Literature has always been a source of inspiration for Jaume Plensa. T.S. Eliot, William Shakespeare, Dante, Goethe or Vicent Andrés Estellés are some of the writers who have accompanied him throughout his life and have served as inspiration for countless works. This literary influence also extends to the letter itself as an element with which he composes his sculptures.
The exhibition shows how Plensa has used letters in many different ways, whether on curtains, gongs or the human body, perhaps his best-known works. This intersection of language with the human body is one of the bases of Plensa‘s work. As the artist explains, “a letter seems nothing, it is something humble, but together with others they form words, and words form texts and texts form thought“.
The sculptor began with the Latin alphabet and gradually incorporated other alphabets, such as Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Cyrillic, Korean, Hindi, etc. For Plensa, each letter has a unique beauty, but all of them together are a sample of the diversity of the world and the coexistence of different cultures.
From left to right: Javier Molins, Carlos Durán, Jaume Plensa and Laura Medina
The retrospective includes both large and medium-sized works as well as Plensa‘s more intimate small-format works. Along with the presence of literature as a source of inspiration, the exhibition includes other constant themes in his career such as silence, dreams and desire, music and family.
The exhibition “Jaume Plensa. Poetry of silence” can be visited at the headquarters of the Fundación Bancaja in Valencia (Plaza Tetuán, 23) from November 25, 2022 to March 19, 2023.
Last Monday, November 7, Barcelona became the epicenter of art and reflection when Galeria SENDA opened its doors to welcome three prominent names from the cultural world: sculptor Jaume Plensa, photographer Jean-Marie del Moral and journalist Màrius Carol. The reason for this meeting was the presentation of the book “Interior, 2022”, a work that transcends the printed pages to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by creators in the context of a globalized market.
The theme of the talk, entitled “Shared Challenges. Creating in a Global Marketplace“, addressed profound and pertinent questions about the creative process in the contemporary world. How do artists face the pressure of producing in a globalized environment? What impact do market trends have on creativity and originality? These were some of the questions raised during the conversation, which turned into an exciting dialogue between creative minds.
Jaume Plensa, known for his imposing sculptures that explore the relationship between the individual and the environment, shared his vision of the need to maintain authenticity in a world flooded with external influences. For Plensa, true creativity arises from the connection with oneself and the surrounding environment, and it is crucial to preserve that connection in a globalized context.
For his part, Jean-Marie del Moral, whose photography captures the essence of urban life and human diversity, spoke about the role of art as a tool for expression and resistance in an increasingly homogenized world. For Del Moral, creativity is an act of resistance against uniformity, a way of celebrating the diversity and complexity of the world we inhabit.
Màrius Carol, a journalist with a long career in the cultural field, provided a unique perspective on the role of the media in the promotion and dissemination of contemporary art. In a world where attention is fragmented and information is constantly flowing, Carol stressed the importance of telling authentic and meaningful stories that connect with audiences on an emotional level.
The presentation of the book “Interior, 2022” marked the beginning of a series of #SENDATalks, a typology of talks organized by Galeria SENDA that brings together artists, creators and thinkers to explore relevant topics in the world of art and culture. These meetings provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, debate and reflection, fostering an open and enriching dialogue between different disciplines and perspectives.
The event concluded with a question and answer session, where the audience had the opportunity to interact with the speakers and delve deeper into the topics discussed. The atmosphere was one of inspiration and camaraderie, leaving a lasting impression on all present and sowing the seeds for future conversations and creative collaborations. In short, the talk at Galeria SENDA was much more than a book presentation; it was a transformative encounter that illuminated the complexities and challenges of the creative process in the 21st century, and demonstrated the power of art and culture to bring people together and enrich our lives.
“The letter seems to me a beautiful metaphor of society: a single letter is nothing; but together with others it can form words, concepts; this is the power of community.” – Jaume Plensa
The Gran Teatre del Liceu opened the 2022-2023 season yesterday, Monday, with the new doors, or ‘Constellations’, the work of sculptor Jaume Plensa, highlighting the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the historic Barcelona institution.
The artist Jaume Plensa next to Salvador Alemany, president of the Fundació del Gran Teatre del Liceu
The doors (stainless steel, 4 x 4 m) are inspired by two classics of Catalan culture: the architect Antoni Gaudí, and the painter Joan Miró, with his nearby Pla de la Boquería mosaic, in addition to the close relationship with the name of one of his most original series ‘Constel·lacions (1939)’.
“I think this dialogue between the past and the future gives us the key to the present: the contemporary gesture at the heart of society, embracing music with words and voice with writing.” The artist said yesterday at the opening ceremony at Las Ramblas.
Plensa intends to vindicate the diversity of the promenade with letters from nine alphabets engraved on the railings – intermingling Arabic, Latin or Chinese – that will reflect their moving shadows on the floor of the entrance, when the doors reach the light of the lamps of the portal.
During the presentation of the doors, the Minister of Culture, Natàlia Garriga, also expressed the importance of this work for the city: “I want to thank all the members of the Board of Trustees who accepted it so quickly, that they see so lucidly that this proposal would be key for the Liceu, but also for the Ramblas, Barcelona and Catalonia.” And she has added that “having art available to everyone makes it possible for citizens to know and value it. I am sure that these doors will awaken the love for art in many pedestrians, and in the spectators who pass through them to enjoy the opera in this important facility.”
For his part, the Deputy Mayor for Culture, Education, Science and Community of the Barcelona City Council, Jordi Martí, has emphasized above all the commitment of the Liceu to “link to contemporary artists of the city and to do it in a total and determined way, not just with a small gesture. Today we are opening three doors, but we will also be able to see Macbeth with the stage direction of Jaume Plensa.” Martí has insisted that the doors “improve the artistic environment of the Ramblas” and wanted to thank the artist for his “humble and restrained gesture because Constelaciones are integrated into the landscape and do not become an isolated work of art.”
After the institutional parliaments, the act has continued with the first official opening of the doors while the Coro del Gran Teatre del Liceu performed the Wagnerian piece Freudig begrüß en wir die edle Halle (Tannhäuser, act II) on the Rambla, directed by the director of the Choir, Pablo Assante, and accompanied on piano by David-Huy Nguyen-Phung. A piece from the second act of the Tannhäuser that celebrates the entrance of the guests and that wants to be a symbolic and metaphorical gesture of doors that invite the public to enter and enjoy the universal language that is music.
“The alphabet represents a harmony that celebrates the great diversity of the world,” said Plensa. The president of the fundación del Liceo, Salvador Alemany, has stated that the sculptor’s work is “a gift that gives prestige to the Rambla and the Liceo”.
No es la primera vez que el escultor dispone de una obra cerca de un núcleo cultural de la ciudad condal. Carmela, un rostro de cuatro metros, mitad niña y mitad adolescente, preside la fachada del Palau de la Música. El artista, Premio Nacional de Artes Plásticas 2012, ha proyectado sus conocidos rostros en otras capitales como Madrid, (Julia) o New York (El alma del agua).
Plensa will maintain his relationship with the Liceo in the new season as the person in charge of the scenery of the Macbeth of Verdi, que se estrenará el próximo febrero.
Technical and operating elements
As for the technical details, these doors weigh around 500 kilograms each and migrate on a single axis that is embedded at the start of the arch just above the capital; of the pilasters. The convexity of the doors does not exceed the outer plane of the pilasters and means that the minimum passage below the open sheepfold is about 3 m high. One of the characteristics of the structure is that the doors do not open laterally, but have an opening movement from bottom to top. In this way, in addition to physical sculpture, we also seek a set of dialogues with spaces, reflections and optical visions of light and shadow. Thus, all those who walk the ground of the Rambla will be able to walk on this carpet of shadows of the installation itself. The work is integrated without affecting any other past element incorporated prior to the facade of Oriol Mestres from 1874 and recovered in 2019.
“The letter seems to me a beautiful metaphor for society: a single letter is nothing; but together with others it can form words, concepts; this is the power of the community.” – Jaume Plensa
The Gran Teatre del Liceu inaugurated its 2022-2023 season on Monday with the new doors, or “Constel·lacions“, the work of sculptor Jaume Plensa, enhancing the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the historic Barcelona institution.
The artist Jaume Plensa together with Salvador Alemany, president of the Fundació del Gran Teatre del Liceu
The doors (stainless steel, 4 x 4 m) are inspired by two classics of Catalan culture: the architect Antoni Gaudí, and the painter Joan Miró, with his nearby Pla de la Boqueria mosaic, as well as the close relationship with the name of one of his most original series “Constel·lacions (1939)”.
“This dialogue between the past and the future I think gives us the key to the present: the contemporary gesture in the heart of society, embracing music with the word and the voice with writing“, said the artist yesterday at the opening ceremony in Las Ramblas.
Plensa intends to vindicate the diversity of the promenade with letters of nine alphabets engraved on the railings – intermingling Arabic, Latin or Chinese – that will reflect their moving shadows on the floor of the entrance, when the doors reach the light of the lamps of the portal.
During the presentation of the doors, the Councilor for Culture, Natàlia Garriga, also expressed the importance of this work for the city: “I want to thank all the members of the Board of Trustees for accepting it so quickly, for seeing with such lucidity that this proposal would be key for the Liceu, but also for the Ramblas, Barcelona and Catalonia“. And she added that “having art within everyone’s reach means that the public can get to know and appreciate it. I am sure that these doors will awaken the love of art in many pedestrians, and in the spectators who pass through them to enjoy the opera in this important facility“.
For his part, the Deputy Mayor for Culture, Education, Science and Community of the Barcelona City Council, Jordi Martí, has emphasized above all the Liceu‘s commitment to “link with contemporary artists of the city and to do so in a total and decisive way, not just with a small gesture. Today we are opening three doors, but we will also be able to see Macbeth with stage direction by Jaume Plensa“. Martí insisted that the doors “improve the artistic environment of Las Ramblas” and thanked the artist for his “humble gesture and restraint because Constellations are integrated into the landscape and do not become an isolated work of art“.
The opening of the doors was also attended by Joan Francesc Marco, director general of the Instituto Nacional de las Artes Escénicas y la Música (INAEM) of the Ministry of Culture, who wanted to highlight the importance of this day: “As a lycee and as director general of INAEM I feel a great happiness because this work of the renowned Jaume Plensa adds even more value to the theater and the city of Barcelona“.
After the institutional speeches, the event continued with the first official opening of the doors while the Choir of the Gran Teatre del Liceu performed in Las Ramblas the Wagnerian piece “Freudig begrüß en wir die edle Halle” (Tannhäuser, act II), conducted by the choir director, Pablo Assante, and accompanied on the piano by David-Huy Nguyen-Phung. A piece from the second act of Tannhäuser that celebrates the entrance of the guests and that wants to be a symbolic and metaphorical gesture of doors that invite the public to enter and enjoy the universal language that is music.
“The alphabet represents a harmony that celebrates the great diversity of the world“, said Plensa. The president of the Liceu Foundation, Salvador Alemany, said that the sculptor’s work is “a gift that gives prestige to the Rambla and the Liceu“.
It is not the first time that the sculptor has a work near a cultural center of the city. Carmela, a four-meter face, half girl and half teenager, presides over the facade of the Palau de la Música. The artist, winner of the 2012 National Plastic Arts Award, has projected his well-known faces in other capitals such as Madrid (“Julia“) or New York (“El alma del agua“).
Plensa will maintain his relationship with the Liceu in the new season as the person in charge of the scenography of Verdi’s Macbeth, which will be premiered next February.
Technical and operating elements
As for the technical details, these doors weigh about 500 kilograms each and migrate on a single shaft that is embedded in the start of the arch just above the capital of the pilasters. The convexity of the doors does not exceed the outer plane of the pilasters and makes the minimum passage under the open sheepfold about 3 m high. One of the characteristics of the structure is that the doors do not open laterally, but have a bottom-up opening movement. In this way, in addition to the physical sculpture, a game of dialogues with spaces, reflections and optical visions of light and shadow is also sought. Thus, all those who step on the floor of the Rambles will be able to walk on this carpet of shadows of the installation itself. The work is integrated without affecting any other past element previously incorporated into the facade of Oriol Mestres of 1874 and recovered in 2019.
