By Patricia Curty
This week's Blog is an absolute rollercoaster of creativity and exclusivity. I'm thrilled to write about another great event in Barcelona, and trust me, this one is a showstopper. Picture this – an exclusive invitation straight from the powerhouse that is XXL Comunicación, leading us to the grand inauguration of the Vidre Art Gallery at the picturesque Poble Español in the heart of Barcelona. And guess who snagged a front-row seat to soak in all the artistic vibes with us? Yep, Solange Ruibal and Edgardo Zamora from Revelry Event Designers.
Let's dive headfirst into a world of imagination, innovation, and, of course, some seriously fabulous vibes✨starting with the maestro himself, Alex Estilles, the incredible owner of XXL Comunicación. I like to call him "Maestro" because honestly, he is a legend in every sense. His expertise in fashion and communication is unparalleled, and he's one of the best-connected Catalans in the world. I've always admired his life's work and his lifestyle – a true inspiration.
It was more than just an exclusive invitation; it was an invitation into the world that Alex had meticulously crafted – a world where hospitality was an art form, and every guest was a cherished part of the masterpiece. Hats off to the maestro for the invitation, the event was truly a celebration of art and human connection.
But let's get into the main event – the inauguration of Vidre Art Gallery. The gallery is situated in the picturesque Poble Español complex in Montjuïc, Barcelona. And let me tell you, it's a sight to behold.
The contemporary art gallery presented a double exhibition on January 25, and Ana and I were lucky enough to witness it firsthand. The main area showcased a stunning exhibition titled "Sorra i Sílice," paying homage to the space that once housed a glassblowing workshop. The title itself is poetic, capturing the essence of both sand and silica, elements intrinsic to the art of glassblowing.
The exhibition brings together a diverse array of artists, each incorporating the element of glass into their works, both literally and metaphorically. Glass, with its luminosity, versatility, and fragility, takes center stage in a mesmerizing display of artistic expression.
What struck us the most was the mix of creators from different generations, each with their unique aesthetics and interests. It was a harmonious clash of conflicting styles, all bound together by a shared fascination with the malleability and expressive richness of glass as a medium.
As we wandered through the exhibition, we couldn't help but be captivated by the interplay of light and glass, the delicate intricacies of each piece, and the stories they told. It was a visual feast, and I'm still processing the sheer brilliance of the artists who graced Vidre Art Gallery with their creations.
On the top level, we were treated to the mesmerizing exposition titled "Manzana Infinita" by the incredibly talented Kai Takeda. And let me tell you, it was a visual feast for the soul.
Kai Takeda shared his artistic journey with us, starting with a deep fascination for Time and its effects on the world around us. In his own words, "Savi," the patina of time or its imprint on matter, has been a central theme in his work. Over time, his artistic evolution led him to infuse his creations with humor and irony, intertwining reflections on societal issues and contemporary themes like consumerism, urban life, and our connection with nature.
His earlier works showcased a fusion of past and present, using "ready-mades" like shopping bags, furniture, and even phone booths to poetically accumulate the essence of everyday objects.
Kai found success in transforming humble, discarded materials into thought-provoking pieces of art.
But the journey didn't stop there.
Kai's artistic evolution led him to sculpt realistic body figures, experimenting with a unique technique involving covering the surface with Japanese paper embroidered by a sewing machine. Eight years of dedication resulted in these incredible sculptures.
However, Kai's interests have now shifted towards the realm of drawing. In the last five years, he has delved into the intricacies of the two-dimensional world, focusing on self-portraits and exploring the depths of his own psychology. He aptly calls this exploration "stressed architecture," delving into the contradictions between interior and exterior, individual and environment.
His drawings and paintings depict the traces of time, the "savi," in our daily lives, reflecting the stress and beauty of our individual experiences. Kai's artistic journey has been a series of fascinating digressions, a surrender to creative detours that have only fueled his evolution as an artist.
The Vidre Art Gallery not only showcased the brilliance of "Sorra i Sílice" but also took us on a journey through the infinite realms of Kai Takeda's "Manzana Infinita.
All in all, it was an unforgettable experience, and I'm grateful to Alex Estilles and XXL Comunicación for the exclusive invitation. The Vidre Art Gallery has certainly left an indelible mark on my artistic soul, and I can't wait to see what other adventures await us in the coming weeks. Until then, Stay Fabulous✨ Stay Powerful✨