Exhibition in Barcelona, June 2024
In June 2024, I had the experience of exhibiting at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, invited by the same Canadian curators who had previously invited me to Paris.
The piece I exhibited was a still life painting of one of my own sculptures: a wax death effigy atop a candlestick, adorned with glitter, gold leaf, and an epoxy resin surface. I made the frame myself, applying gold leaf to its front planes. The piece looked striking against the museum's neutral grey wall.
I stayed at a small, charming hotel just a short walk from the beach and two blocks from the museum. The location was perfect, and I spent my free time exploring the Gothic Quarter, enjoying its quiet, historic streets. In the square, I savored cava and flavorful meat dishes as local musicians performed.
A delicious snack in a gothic square
While wandering, I found a garnet rose ring and an antique silver and garnet crucifix, both pieces that felt meaningful and timeless. Barcelona’s skies were consistently blue, and I was fortunate to arrive during a Saint’s Day festival, watching fireworks from the rooftop bar of my hotel. The hot tub, though cool, was a nice retreat.
I visited Barcelona’s famous cathedrals and Gaudi's architecture, and I was struck by the votive crowns displayed at the Museum of Catalonia. I took the train up to Montserrat and marveled at the views and the ancient mountain landscape, which held traces of prehistoric sea life. I spent time sketching the Black Mary from afar, and the monks’ cava at Montserrat was a highlight.
The mountain mist and relics of the sea
I took the cable car from Montserrat to the train station
A sunrise paddleboarding experience on the beach provided a peaceful moment, and I collected sea glass, which was abundant in the sand. The wild green parrots in the city’s gardens brought me comfort, reminding me of my own parrot waiting back at the Todd Marcus Birds Exotic Hotel.
The parrots were nice enough to land on my hand eventually!
I also enjoyed the local ceramic art and a handbound journal from a boutique in the Gothic Quarter. The sculptural works in the galleries left a lasting impression.
