Barcelona's Top Contemporary Art Galleries
Joan Prats is one of my favorite galleries in Barcelona. From left works by: Erick Beltran, Fernando Prats, Gabriel and Joan Brossa
Barcelona is one of those cities that I never get tired of visiting. Where else in the world is there a place with many of the best restaurants in Europe, the most breathtaking architecture, a maze of gothic quarters whose buildings can go as far back as the 5th century connected by enchanted streets, first class museums and shopping all embraced by a fantastic beach? I can't think of many. The art scene, of course, is at pair with the rest of the city and there are many, many contemporary art galleries to see. I chose five that I always find myself going back to visit. Without further ado, here they are:
Galeria Joan Prats
Joan Prats has been on the cutting edge of contemporary art since 1976 and they continue to be a reference in Barcelona and around the world (they participate in some of the most important art fairs including Art Basel and ARCO Madrid). Their group shows are usually pretty interesting and engaging. They are currently changing spaces and I can't wait to see how the new one will look like.
Galeria Senda
Galeria Senda with the work of James Clar
I love the amazing quality of the artists that Galeria Senda represents -- they carefully choose incredible local and international talents who make each exhibit worth visiting. Ironically, I discovered James Clar (who is from New York and lives in Brooklyn) in Senda's booth at ARCO Madrid this past February and had never seen his work anywhere else before. They also show Peter Haley and Massimo Vitali among many other luminaries of contemporary art.
Poligrafa
One of the printing rooms at Poligrafa
Poligrafa is a worldwide reference in the contemporary art sphere, in particular because of the extraordinary quality of the prints and editions that they produce in house. They have had a very long trajectory, starting in the 1960s, where they invited artists such as Joan Miro and Francis Bacon, to spend time in their workshop developing the plates that would form the basis for the prints. They remain at the forefront of this segment and still work with worldwide renowned talents such as Ryan McGuiness and Carlos Cruz-Diez.
+R
The current exhibit at +R with the photography of Jesus Madrinan
Pronounced "maserre", this is a gallery that is always navigating the cool, the emerging and the promising from all over the world. They have very talented artists whose main medium is photography and I especially dig the work of Jesus Madrinan.
Galeria 3 Punts
Murals and wall pieces by Cesar Delgado
3 Punts has two spaces, one in Barcelona and another one in Berlin. The gallery has focused its program on the best emerging artists that populate the Catalonian scene. They also have great group shows throughout the years showing the works of national and international rising stars. From their roster, I particularly love the work of Cesar Delgado.