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Barcelona’s recently been casting an eye to its future. The overhaul of its legendary flea market, Els Encant Vells, was one such boost, and now it can add a brand new contemporary art gallery to its glossy résumé.
Launched last week, Fundació Gaspar is a private art initiative housed within Paula Cervelló, an early 15th century gothic palace. The inaugural exhibition – entitled ‘Art Strikes Back!’ – features a roster plucked from Hauser & Wirth’s stable, including Paul McCarthy, Louise Bourgeois, Subodh Gupta, amongst others.
At the foundation’s helm is Moishan Gaspar, the great-grandson of renowned gallerist Joan Gaspar I Xalabarder, whose gallery was an integral part of the city’s art scene for nearly a century. Bolstered by his pedigree and experience at several galleries prior, Gaspar is hoping to give international artists a platform in a city that has traditionally favoured classic art.
There’s an eclectic mix of artwork on show – Mark Wallinger’s mirrored Doctor Who homage dazzles in one room opposite a surreal McCarthy video work, while a soaring Martin Creed wall painting brings the gallery’s lofty ceilings to the fore. The potential of the renovated space is evident, although not fully explored in this greatest hits medley.
The foundation clocks in at 1,500 sq m, just under half of which will be dedicated to exhibitions. The remaining space is dedicated to a café in the courtyard, along with a well-stocked bookshop and film theatre specialising in art. And the gallery is expecting overspill from the neighbouring Picasso Museum.
‘Barcelona has been sleeping for the last 20 years when it comes to contemporary art,’ adds Gaspar. The new gallery could be the wake-up call the city needs.
Housed within Paula Cervelló, an early 15th century gothic palace, the interiors have been given a refresh, with original architectural details kept intact or restored. Photography: Xavier González
The inaugural exhibition brings together a medley of Hauser & Wirth artists, including Paul McCarthy, Louise Bourgeois, Subodh Gupta, amongst others. Pictured: 'Work No 1173', by Martin Creed, 2011. Photography: Xavier González
'Echo', by Louise Bourgeois, 2007
There’s an eclectic mix of artwork on show – Mark Wallinger’s mirrored Doctor Who homage (pictured), 'Time and Relative Dimensions in Space', 2001, dazzles in one room...
...opposite a surreal McCarthy video work. Photography: Xavier González
‘Experimental Dancer-Rumpus Room’, by Paul McCarthy, 1975-2002
'Wiped Out Heroines', by Rita Ackermann, 2014. Photography: Xavier González
'Master Bet', by Subodh Gupta, 2009
’Ojekt für Versuche’, by Roman Singer, 2008
'Untitled', by Mira Schendel, 1980-1981
The foundation clocks in at 1,500 sq m, just under half of which will be dedicated to exhibitions. Photography: Xavier González
The remaining space is dedicated to a café in the courtyard, along with a well-stocked bookshop and film theatre specialising in art. Photography: Xavier González
'Kaffeetisch-mit-Telefonecken-Matte, Bali/Mosvellsveit (with Björn, Karl, Vera Roth and others)', by Dieter Roth, 1990-1993
'Luggage (Silent Relief)', by Dieter Roth, 1984-1994
INFORMATION
‘Art Strikes Back!’ runs until 28 March 2016. For more information, visit Fundació Gaspar’s website
ADDRESS
Fundació Gaspar
Palau Cervelló
Montcada 25
Barcelona