Art / Architecture, Barcelona

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Antoni Gaudi, a true Catalonia, 1852-1926, is one of the world's most recognized artists, noted for his portrayal of nature in all his works. Gaudi did things with a flourish and the term, gaudy, coming from Antoni Gaudi's works, meaning excessively showy, could well describe his works.

His most famous architectural achievements are the world famous and number one tourist spot in Barcelona, the cathedral Sagrada Familia (Gaudi worked on this project for 43 years, until his death) is still being built , the most beautiful and maybe even bizarre Park Guell with the twisting pathways with mosaics, sculptures, and elaborate fountains (you must sit on the mosaic benches that line the top of the park with a view of the city below), and his two eye catching buildings, La Pedrera (Casa Mila) and Casa Batllo, both on Passeig de Gracia and now open to tourists as museums dedicated to Gaudi. This is most assuredly the land of Gaudi.

Many of the old cobblestone streets of Spain have an enormous cache of art above the normal viewpoint. Little saint niches covered with glass were always at peculiar corners. A whole world of art and culture exists at ten feet, easily overlooked if you’re not aware of it. I think there could be a whole coffee table book with just the niches--fascinating.

After looking at the caged birds in Las Rambla I spotted the free pigeon (no charge) so stopped to take a photo, at first I didn't notice the beautiful patterns on the buildings. Take your time in Barcelona and really admire the ornate buildings with their lovely art work in glorious colours.

Many people visit Spain to see the great works of Dalí. Exhibits run through the city all the time and his works can be seen in places like Montserrat all the way to Port Lligat where his former home is or the Gala's castle in Púbol it's hard not to find a place to study one of Spain's greatest artist's work. Look around or ask at the tourist centers. You're sure to find something.

I was really impressed with all of the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. It was a beautiful city with amazing building. Anyone interested in architecture would love to spend time in Barcelona.

The colorful Casa Batlló (Batlló House) is an apartment building located at No. 43 Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona.

Being a graphic designer myself I pay atention to this kind of things. BCN is really a trandy city in this aspec, you will find many exhibitions, studies, agencies, and the best spanish graphic design come from this city, I must admit.

You will notice that in the exhibitions posters, leaflets... and in many cool shops.

You will see many of these wonderful little works of Art.

The idea came from Antoni Gaudi and he even went fo far that in the whole city of BARCELONA glass was gathered for these "pictures" in between white pieces of mosaic.

In fact everyone did his/her part to make places colourful and bright, especially the Spanish sun knows how to make them look like GEMS.

Enjoy them....

Barcelona is the city of Gaudi and Modernism: the Eixample is the largest 'open air' museum of Modernism in the world, and to celebrate its 150th birthday, this year Barcelona is preparing a year dedicated to the personality and work of Gaudi with an extensive programm of exhibitions, studies, seminars... which will be open to the public during this year.

The city's cultural agenda offers a large variety of shows, popular festivals (great events such as the Grec summer Festival from July to August), theatre, dance, music, opera, flamenco....

Interesting museums to visit: Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró, MNAC (the largest collection of Roman art in the world), MACBA (periodical contemporary art exhibitions).....

I attach a little map of Barcelona where you can see most of the Modernism buidings.....