Casa Batlló, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Barcelona crafted by the renowned Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí, has recently inaugurated a new exhibition area dedicated to showcasing contemporary art. The inaugural exhibition featured the works of United Visual Artists, led by Matt Clark, and the program will host two annual exhibitions in the newly designated Casa Batlló Contemporary.
This fresh initiative builds upon Casa Batlló's "Mapping" series, which commissions artists to reinterpret Gaudí's façade through innovative audiovisual performances. This program, which debuted in winter 2022, has included notable contributions from artists such as Refik Anadol, Sofia Crespo, and Quayola.
The newly established exhibition space is located on the second floor, having been revitalized by the Barcelona-based architecture firm Mesura. The first exhibition, awarded to United Visual Artists, draws inspiration from a quote by Gaudí: "The straight line belongs to man, and the curved line belongs to God."
Maria Bernat, the director of Casa Batlló Contemporary, emphasized that the exhibition program seeks to create a dialogue between the past and the future, positioning Gaudí's legacy within a modern context. She noted, "Through art and architecture, it explores his radical vision with contemporary thinking, remaining true to his spirit of innovation while engaging with Barcelona's vibrant artistic community."
The United Visual Artists exhibition commenced on January 31 and will run until May 17. Future exhibitions will evolve as a living entity, adapting to the artistic community and the surrounding world. The program celebrates Gaudí's philosophy of experimentation and curiosity, allowing today's creators to express their spirit while honoring the past and shaping the future.