Monday, 5 August 2013

How To Uncover Obscure Barcelona Paintings

By Cathy Mercer


If you're not a fan of soccer or basketball, then a trip to Barcelona might seem a bit of a bore. However, if you're a fan of art then you couldn't be more wrong. The place is a bustling metropolis, as evidenced by the Picasso Museum. However, if you're after more obscure artwork, then finding Barcelona paintings in the side streets of the city is your best bet.

The Palau Dalmases does not have a sign at the entrance but is does have a doorman. One look at the seventeenth century courtyard and the carved staircase and you may feel you have stumbled upon a baroque movie set. The Palau Dalmases has reproduction paintings, candelabras and a bar that serves wine and beer. It's located in La Ribera and is well worth paying a visit if you have a liking for opulent surroundings.

Although you cannot knock people that want to see the famous landmarks, greater rewards can sometimes be had by visiting obscure places. The Esther Arias Gallery is an art lover's dream. It showcases guests artwork as well as work from Esther Arias. Her specialty is abstract work that has a surreal feel to it.

Anyone that visits the Frederic Mares Museum will not forget it. For a start there's the medieval palace that you need to enter before you even see the museum. Alongside the palace is a Gothic cathedral and this sets the tone for what's inside the museum. Crucifixes line one wall, and these are painted and sculptured. Also present are sculptures of Madonna and Child. However, there's more upstairs, where you'll find various items that Frederic Mares collected throughout his travels.

While it's only natural that some tourists will scout out the famous landmarks, people with a nose for adventure will want to look off the beaten track for hidden gems. One such gem is on the Consell de Cent. This road is where some of the more upmarket galleries are, it's a place where a large budget comes in handy. The art here is of an extremely high caliber.

Artevistas, a place where younger artists cut their teeth and make a name for themselves, is a little off the beaten track. It's not far from Ramblas, but is shielded somewhat from the tourists because it's in a passageway. Their doors are usually open and you'll find lots of bright colors here as well as a lot of young, talented artists.

If you're the type of person that likes to have a few galleries in the same place then take a trip to Carrer Enric Granados. It's a street that's packed not only with some well-known art galleries like N2, Ego and ADN, but it has plenty of outdoor eateries. Here you can enjoy the art at a leisurely pace and then go into a bar and listen to music.

Barcelona paintings are very easy to find. However, sometimes it's more of a task to find those places that are not part of the travel brochures. You'll avoid the masses and may even find the next superstar painter.




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