What do the Dallas Cowboys, Skateboarding, and Zoom all have in common? They are the centerpieces of European art on display in the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art.
When visiting Europe most travelers expect to see grand paintings and beautiful sculptures from historic artists such as Michelangelo and Picasso but forget to remember there is a thriving modern art scene just as complex and intriguing as the art of the past.
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art founded in 1995 displays many complex yet simple pieces that differ from the classical works of the past for a breath of fresh air in the historic prideful city of Barcelona. The MACBA has become world famous for its display and over 25 year history being open to the public.
The museum started curating collection all the way back in 1959 by art critic Alexandre Cirici Pellicer. This collection was built up all the way until the museums opening in 1995 and is still growing today.
It has gained international recognition for its pioneering in contemporary European art. Anyone from cultures all over the world are able to understand the commentaries of the modern world present in this museum.
The Art
The are various forms of art in this museum which are all extremely interesting due to the multiple rotating exhibitions including the In Real Time. Rafael Tous Collection of Conceptual Art that is currently on display. You can take a virtual tour of this exhibit here.
The art found in the museum differs from the usual idea of European art as the pieces are commentary on modern times critiquing modern ideas. The museum displays very simplistic pieces with a deep meaning behind them through their exhibits such as the previously mentioned In Real Time Exhibit.
Ask museum visitor Federico Brozetti.
“There is more American representation rather than European work as European is more classical, but I hope to see European modern art gain more popularity in years to come.”
There is currently a lack of European modern art at a global scale but yet these pieces are truly magnificent. It feels as if this museum is a hidden gem in the city of Barcelona.
“The best works will always be seen, and it is a matter of time. I work in a modern art museum, and I am excited to see modern European art grow,” Brozetti said.
Simple works like Frances Abad’s Auschwitz have a simple meaning yet at first glance looks like a work that would be seen at an even like Art Basel in Miami rather than in the city center of Barcelona.
The works in the museum remind us Europe has a deep history, yet modern day issues and conflicts are still alive, and we must take note from the past as a society. History repeats itself and with conflicts such as the Ukraine war modern art criticizing the current state of the world is extremely valuable and should not be looked at as lesser than classical art pieces.
When visiting the museum there seems to be a stigma prevailing throughout the visitors. There was a blatant disregard for the multiple TVs and projectors displaying valuable information about each piece on display as seen in the gallery bellow. Some of these instillations are art pieces that stand alone. Visitors did not seem to stop at once piece for long. This gave the impression many visitors did not appreciate the modern art and expected more grand works rather than the simplicity that are on display throughout the collection.
This stigma of modern art can be seen through the museum workers. A security guard who refused to give his name due to anonymity purposes said “I don’t like this art, this art is not for everyone, classical art and history is for everyone.” He seemed to look down on the art and said he would rather work in a classical museum to see more “beauty.”
It is a shame the security guard felt this way as it seemed that the museum staff were not very passionate about the art on display, rather just ushering individuals through the doors. Many other museums in Barcelona have had very enthusiastic staff who appreciate the works present and offer valuable insight.
A Visitors Point of View
As discussed, this museum is not full of the typical grand statues or beautiful classical paintings Europe is known for, instead it is filled with unique commentary on the modern world.
When walking through this museum every piece seems to strike a chord of curiosity as the pieces are not inherently beautiful, but instead thought provoking and relatable to the average person or curated art fanatic.
When speaking to Sophie Marshal who is from the UK she described herself as someone who does not frequent art museums, but described the museum as “more mixed and less structured than other exhibitions and museums but it is still very interesting.” This was due to the accessibility of the works and her understanding of the pieces.”
When looking at grand paintings or statues the scale and complexity is easy to see, but many do not stop and think deeper about a piece due to the nature of the medium. This is unlike the abstract modern art displayed here.
Each piece forces a viewer to think as abstract art such at this is so out of the ordinary it commands attention. This was evident in Francesc Torres's, Football.
Many pieces like this are relatable to almost everyone unlike those found in other classical museums more traditionally found in Europe. Anyone who wants to stop, think, and reconsider preconceived notions about the world around them will appreciate this museum.
The Skateboarding
When approaching the museum one significant detail will stick out immediately and that is the local skateboarding culture. Surrounding the museum was nearly 100 locals skateboarding and enjoying their day to day lives in the large open square surrounding the museum. The are is also home to multiple local skate shops.
When talking to local Thyago Silva he discussed how the museum plaza is “a better spot to skate because of security and the plaza built for the museum is so flat it’s perfect to skate.”
This immediately stood out as the museum is focused on contemporary art, but it seems the culture outside the museum may as well have been an exhibition on its own. The graffiti and culture on display is a prime example of the world Barcelona truly is.
When one thinks of this beautiful city the perfect manmade beaches, extravagant nightlife, and soccer all come to mind not necessarily the locals who call the city home.
Even Steve Anthony a tourist from Australia had to come skate at this specific spot on his vacation due to the significance areas reputation.
“Skating is a form of art, almost living art, it seems right the locals skate outside this museum,” Anthony said.
The MACBA Museum of Contemporary Art stands alone due to how unique it is in this diverse city. It is a museum that prompts one to think critically and appreciate the art on display.
If you are in Barcelona you can view all events happening at the museum and buy tickets here. If you are a student make sure to bring a student ID to receive a student discount.
Comments