We welcome the new month with the 7 art highlights for August 2022. Some recommendations of the wide range on offer from the most renowned centres in the art world.
As we enter the new month of August, we bring back the art and culture on display around the world. We begin with an innovative exhibition at La Pedrera, where they use virtual reality. On the other hand, Hayward Gallery and the MoMa make visitors reflect on abusive power and the social demands needed to advance equality. In addition, thanks to the Centre Pompidou, three Portuguese artists offer their visions of the past and the present immersed in a darkness from which it is possible to emerge. The festivals also continue to be present, and this time, culture and history take over the Night at Potsdam Palace. Finally, no one forgets to pay tribute to great artists. On the one hand, the painter Piet Mondrian, and on the other, the fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Onward with the 7 art highlights for August 2022!
The magical reality of La Pedrera
Mixed reality lands in La Pedrera with the new La Pedrera Magical Vision experience. An innovative visit that allows visitors to tour the building combining technology and physical reality. In addition, this unique and up-to-date proposal offers a different approach to Gaudí’s universe. Discovering, with Microsoft HoloLens 2 technological glasses, the history and architecture of the emblematic building of the city of Barcelona. As a result, the travel through the building in a multi-sensory way, getting to know the owners of the house or the elements that inspired the Catalan architect to create pure art;
This adventure takes place in a new space in the building, enveloping the Pati de les Papallones and following the architectural line of the Casa Milà. Marta Lacambra, general director of the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, firmly believes in the aim of building experiences in which art can be enjoyed from new perspectives. In addition, Montse Moragas, general manager of Laie, highlights the work carried out to unite technology and culture.
We have worked with the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera team to achieve an experience of quality and rigour, as well as combining the magic and emotion that are essential in this tour.
The mezzanine, the space used for the visit, has never before been open to the public. Moreover, in the past, this space had housed a boarding house, an institute and even offices.
The special feature of this new exhibition is that it is the first time in the country that the device, HoloLens 2, is used for a cultural visit. Microsoft Spain is convinced that, thanks to new technologies, it will be possible to experience experiences that were previously unimaginable. The holograms represented virtually merge into the real space, and appear to narrate the story behind them. In this way, visitors go from being mere spectators to being a unique part of La Pedrera. Moreover, in Barcelona digitisation is leaving very innovative traces, as the façade of La Casa Batlló underwent changes through NFT technology.
Where: Passeig de gràcia, 92, Barcelona
Hours: From 9.00h to 19.00h
Tickets: You can purchase tickets here.
Fantasy surpasses reality in African culture
Hayward Gallery is hosting In the black fantastic, a major exhibition dedicated to black artists who use fantastic elements to show racial injustice. This is one of the shows that the gallery presents as an innovative spectacle, for in this case, underneath contemporary art, harsh realities that are overlooked are conveyed. By bringing together folklore, mythology or spiritual traditions, the artists offer a connection between past, present and future. And in this way, the representations of the ancient, of what is yet to come and the challenges of the present are linked.
Artist’s space Hew Locke. Greedy kings on their horses. In addition, highlighting the characteristics of the exhibition, the artists have reused elements to create their works. Rob Harris
The director of Hayward Gallery, Ralph Rugoff, confesses that African culture is still very little recognised, and the exhibition is a good step to give it visibility and confront these racist tendencies, which unfortunately still exist in society. In the same way, Ekow Eshun, curator of the exhibition, affirms that sharing the artists’ visions brings people closer to reality.
More than ever, black artists, such as writers, filmmakers and musicians, are thinking in boldly imaginative terms to explore race and cultural identity in the contemporary era.
The figure on the right, Soundsuit, by sculptor Nick Cave. The costumes embellish the room with simple elements: buttons, wires and antique sieve.
Along the route you can enjoy paintings, photographs, sculptures or small videos. Among the artists exhibiting are images by Hew Locke showing corrupt kings, tyrants and bandits. The works of Sedrick Chisom and Kara Walker deal with racial violence in the United States, while Ellen Gallagher addresses the slave past using underwater fantasy realms in her portraits. At the start of the exhibition, Soundsuits figures by sculptor Nick Cave welcome visitors. His costumes, which originated in response to the police abuse suffered by Rodney King 30 years ago, will also represent George Floyd in memory of him.
When: From 29 June to 18 September 2022.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere rd, London, UK
Hours: Wednesday from 11.00h to 21.00h. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11.00h to 19.00h. Sunday from 10.00h to 18.00h. Monday and Tuesday closed
Tickets: You can purchase tickets here.
Experience culture inside Potsdam Palace
As every year, the Sanssouci Park is hosting the new edition of the Potsdam Palace Night on Berlin soil. The UNESCO World Heritage Site will fill the night of 19 August with music, literature, workshops and performances. All of this wrapped up in the magic of the sunset and the real views of a luxurious setting. Under the slogan Live! , life itself is celebrated and appreciated. Meanwhile, we celebrate the new experiences that make us learn and move forward, enjoying together the culture that enriches us.
During the festival, the programme will offer a wide range of activities such as theatre, opera, jazz and acrobatics. Spanish figures will be represented in the 23rd edition. For example, the theatre company La Tal: Carilló, will show the limits between fiction and reality next to an enormous clock. From it will emerge characters characterised by their comedy, who will explain their stories full of love, jealousy and madness. In the same way, the flamenco will also go around the park, but not in a normal way, but dancing on big stilts. Something very curious.
Potsdam Palace Night 2021. During the day, there are many activities and performances. Representing ancient epochs. Michael Clemens
During the festival, visitors will be able to enjoy five themed walking tours through different parts of the area. These small, completely free tours will take place on four occasions during the evening. Thanks to them you will be able to learn more about the history of the Sanssouci Palace, discovering the culinary secrets that enamoured the royal court and the festivals they held. In addition, the Botanical Garden and the Nursery of the park will also remain open, because enjoying nature and transmitting care for keeping alive what is born of the earth is an elementary theme;
When?: August 19-20, 2022
Where: Schloss Sanssouri, Maulbeerallee, Potsdam, Germany.
Tickets: You can purchase tickets here.
The Centre Pompidou dips into Portuguese chiaroscuro
To round off the summer, the Centre Pompidou has opened the group exhibition Le reste est ombre, dedicated to three Portuguese artists. Through Pedro Costa, Rui Chafes and Paulo Nozolino, a dialogue takes place between photography, sculpture and cinematic vision. An immersive journey, under a closed and dark scene, which takes visitors into a Portuguese historical period; the Revolution of the Carnations of 25 April 1974. In this way, the Portuguese artists unite their visions and interpretations of the theme. In this way, the Portuguese artists bring together their visions and interpretations of the theme and, in doing so, cast a shadow over the contemporary Portuguese past;
Each of the artists, in their specific field, transmit and activate elements that fit perfectly together. First, Pedro Costa represents animation and sound in the room; then the iron and steel sculptures of Rui Chafes become immaterial objects, a symbolism that surpasses the physical. Meanwhile, Paulo Nozolino, through his photographs, resists the depths of sculpture and film. The latter’s approach to photography is closely linked to life itself. Nozolino recognises that photography allows him to know himself and to understand what surrounds him;
From left to right: Blodelsheim and Ukraine, two works by Paulo Nozolino. Through them, the Portuguese artist seeks the essence, and in this way, to reach the depths of the viewer.
Shadows and gloom envelop the works of the three artists, in such a way that they dilute each other. One must have the intention to seek and find them, reconstructing references and clarity. For the director Pedro Costa, this immersive journey into darkness offers to recognise what lies beyond: “a reduced world, made of public squares, alleys, murmurs”.
When?: From 8 June to 22 August 2022
Where?: Place Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France
Timetable: Wednesday to Monday from 11.00h to 21.00h. Tuesday closed
Tickets: You can buy tickets here
Foundation Beyeler commemorates the origins of Piet Mondrian
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the painter Piet Mondrian, the Foundation Beyeler has inaugurated the exhibition Mondrian Evolution. This major exhibition traces the painter’s artistic life from beginning to end, as he became one of the most multifaceted figures of the avant-garde. The Foundation has collected 89 works on loan from private and public collections in Europe and the United States. Through them, we can discover a little more about how his art influenced not only his canvases, but also design, fashion and pop culture.
Abend: Der Rote Baum, 1908-1910. Throughout the exhibition you can enjoy the works of the French artist. His oil paintings on canvas and his depictions of the countryside and trees
Discovering the artistic and personal careers of well-known faces chronologically is the best way to get to know them. In this way, the steps they have taken can be retraced and the changes they have made over the years can be observed. In this way, visitors can see how he began, how he worked and how he progressed to reach his peak. Piet Mondrian’s early works were inspired by Dutch landscape painting of the late 19th century. He went through blacks and whites, placing the colours blue, red and yellow with precision.
During the visit you can follow the different ways in which he worked. From his oil paintings on canvas and cardboard to his depictions of windmills and earth. In addition, his well-known compositions of lines in primary colours are also on display.
The tour, divided into nine rooms, offers the possibility of comparing his early works with the result of his later ones. His landscape paintings refer to windmills, water and dunes, all with varying degrees of abstraction. He also played with the luminosity and brightness that he could bring out in his paintings. Another element that influenced him and his art was his interest in philosophy and the esoteric, giving new and young artists ideas that inspired them to continue to advance personally in painting.
When: From 5 June 2022 to 9 October 2022.
Where: Baselstrasse, 77, Riehen, Switzerland.
Hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 10.00h to 18.00h. Wednesday from 10.00h to 20.00h.
Tickets: You can purchase tickets here.
Barbara Kruger fills the MoMa with social demands
The curious and critical gaze of the American artist Barbara Kruger is implanted within the walls of the The Museum of Modern Art. Covering the floor and walls of the Marron Family Atrium with words; surrounding visitors with black and white prints. Kruger is known for her artworks combined with vindictive texts, as power takes control of society in an abusive way. The construction of how we are to consume, identify ourselves and desire is very much catalogued. Moreover, references are always needed to make us reflect on how it influences us.
The space is completely covered with phrases with a strong vindicative meaning. Meanwhile, visitors must focus on each of the words in detail to better grasp the symbolism. Emile Askey
The installation Barbara Kruger: Thinking of you. I mean me. I mean you, captures the artist’s thoughts on the sensitive issues she has been asking herself about for more than 40 years. Since the 1980s, whenever possible, she has represented her art in large environments, taking advantage of large-scale installations in large buildings. The artist has always recognised that her works are based on the union of seducing and criticising in order to understand what surrounds us in the best possible way.
During the immersion in the space, you can read quotations from leading women such as Virginia Woolf. Vindicating the position of women and their power. Emile Askey
The installation plays with and takes advantage of the architecture of the building, and in this way, offers different points of view and observation of the words placed between the floor and the walls. From the first floor, visitors will be able to see from the heights a quote written by George Orwell in his book 1984: “If you want to get a picture of the future, imagine a boot crushing a human face, forever”. This reference, placed in the centre of the room, is a clear example of the critique of totalitarianism. How, with so many realities right in front of you, you don’t get to think carefully about what is going on;
When: From 16 July 2022 to 2 January 2023.
Where: 11 W 53rd St, New York, USA
Orning hours:Sunday to Friday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday from 10.30h to 19.00h
Tickets: You can purchase tickets here.
The Parisian tribute to the essence of the couturier Elsa Schiaparelli
Finally, to complete the August highlights, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris began July with the exhibition Shoking! The surreal world of Elsa Schiaparelli, highlighting the Italian couturier’s haute couture and her avant-garde Parisian inspiration between the 1920s and 1930s. The exhibition brings together 520 works, including 272 silhouettes, as well as the artist’s own accessories. All of this is displayed alongside paintings, jewellery and ceramics by Schiaparelli’s friends, including the artist Man Ray, the painter Salvador Dalí and the writer Jean Cocteau.
From left to right: Detail on the Phoebus cape. A winter garment from 1937-1938. And, detail on an evening jacket from 1947. Immediately, once inside the exhibition, one can grasp the elegance and details that the Italian captured in her works.
The Italian couturier had the art of embellishing streetwear, raising haute couture and making ball gowns. Creating freely and knowing what was around her, she had the ability to offer a unique and different look within fashion. The exhibition is organised both thematically and chronologically, showing works created at key moments in Schiaparelli’s life. And how she analysed and learned from other artists in order to grow and evolve during her career. Her beginnings were marked by the figure of the French designer Paul Poiret, discovering a particular taste for Art Deco and detail. Their surrealist connection with Dalí is also enhanced in a room unique to them; in it you can see the Lobster Dress or Shoe Hat.
In 1936, Schiaparelli and Dalí collaborated for the first time to create fashion pieces. Thus, a year later, the lobster dress was created.
The first floor of the exhibition opens onto the haute couture salons of the Italian couturier, then located in Paris, which she herself opened in 1935. For the decoration and design of the rooms, Schiaparell referred to the decorator Jean-Michel Frank for his distinguished and elegant style. In addition, the figures of embroidery and perfumes are also represented during this second stage, as the couturier was able to enhance, through fashion, the position of women, femininity, ingenuity and imagination.
In 1934, Schiaparelli launched three perfumes: Soucis, Salut and Schiap. Then, a year later, Jean-Michel Frank elegantly installed the perfume cage with gilded bamboo and metal.
In addition, along the route, you can also enjoy designs created in his honour by icons such as Yves Saint Laurent, Azzedine Alaïa or John Galliano. Likewise, the artistic director of House of Schiaparelli since 2019, Daniel Roseberry, has also wanted to participate in this tribute with his own design;
When?:6 July 2022 to 22 January 2023
Where: 107 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11.00h to 18.00h. Thursday from 11.00h to 21.00h. Monday closed
Tickets: You can purchase tickets here.
Images courtesy of La Pedrera, Hayward Gallery, Potsdamer Schlössernacht, Centre Pompidou, Foundation Beyeler, The Museum of Modern Art and Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Paris.
