Alternative contemporary art initiatives already happening.
According to a recently published research, the spanish art market has reduced it´s size by a third (from 2007 to 2011).
Collapse. (Could not find photo´s author.Pls contact if you know it)
The research includes many probable reasons for this decrease, but the one that calls my attetion the most is “the lack of true art collectors“. There are maaaaany other reasons but let me just make a point here … What about the millions and millions of tourists that visit Spain each year? (2012 figures predict a new ever record). We are the second or third most visited country in the world. How many of those visitors now about contemporary spanish art? (I don´t mean Picasso here, ehhh!!).
Spanish inferiority complex
Traditionally, spaniards believe that foreign contemporary artists are better than local ones (this way of thinking not only happens with spanish artists). Many brilliant spanish artists have had to stablish themselves abroad in other to succeed. Once they get certain international authority they come back and it´s then when we all appreciate them, otherwise we don´t. So how do you change this “inferiority complex“? How do you transform this cultural heritage that doesn´t changes overnight?.
In a previous post I talked about how some Barcelona´s contemporary art galleries are promoting emerging artists. This is the kind of new initiatives needed!!. A contemporary art dealer that came to see my abstract paintings last tuesday, told me that the latest exhibition she made in Barcelona was a total success (70% of the sculptures exhibited were sold). What they did is an example of guerrilla marketing. They rented a fantastic alternative place, adapted it for the exhibition, contacted people by phone, emailing, blogs and social media, did not show prices, included a coherent selection, build a good credible story around the exhibition, and just 3 days later they disappeared!. Brilliant, isn´t it?
Let me give you another example of an alternative art initiative worth knowing. The name for this contemporary art events is Movimiento en blanco. The creative mind behind the idea is Bárbara Aurell (a Barcelona´s young and talented interior designer). who says that she does it “POR AMOR AL ARTE” (for the love of it; for the love of art).
Each month at her Barcelona studio, Bárbara exhibits the creations of an artist selected by her. A mix of different people join, relax, see the artworks, drink some wine, meet new people, listen to the artist explanation of what hungs on the walls, and get back home after having had a great art soiree. By the way, Bárbara has to invite you personally to attend this 1 and only night exhibition.
Gertrude Stein by Picasso
What Bárbara does, reminds me of Gertudre Stein´s Paris soirees. This impressive art lover and collector got not only famous for her superior art collection (she said she collected genius instead of paintings) but also for her early Saturday evenings at 27 Rue de Fleurus, an event where Picasso, Matisse and maaaaaaany other artists met in the first years of the 20th century.
Matisse, Woman with a Hat
By the way, Antonio Basso (me
Hope you have enjoyed this article. What ideas would you suggest to help spanish artists and the local art market recover?. What other alternative art venues do you know about?. Please share your thoughts and ideas below in the comment section, and help spread the word by sharing this post pressing any of the social media buttons also located at the bottom.
Thanks.
