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March 20: official inauguration
of the International Year of Gaudí
Her Majesty Queen Sofia, the most honorable president of the Government
of Catalonia, Mr. Jordi Pujol, and the most excellent mayor of Barcelona,
Mr. Joan Clos, presided the inaugural event of the International Year of
Gaudí in the Barcelona City Council's ancient meeting hall, the Saló
de Cent, on March 20.
The Year of Gaudí, described by Clos as "a bridge between the
1888 World's Fair and the coming Universal Forum of Cultures Barcelona 2004,"
is intended to disseminate knowledge of the life and works of the illustrious
architect, not only among foreign tourists but also among the citizens of
Barcelona. Pujol highlighted Gaudí's devotion to Catalan nationalism
and his profoundly religious nature.
Three famous architects also participated in the event: Oriol Bohigas, Sir
Norman Foster and Arata Isozaki. Bohigas associated Gaudí with Frank
Lloyd Wright, saying that "they were the two most important architects
of the early twentieth century, because they opened paths for the future
evolution of the same modern architecture."
As for Foster, he called Gaudí "a timeless and inspiring architect"
after reviewing the architectural history of the twentieth century.
Isozaki also spoke a few words about Gaudí, although nothing could
be written about his speech because he gave it in Japanese, and no translation
was provided to the press, speakers or the general public who were present
in the Saló de Cent.
After the conclusion of the inaugural event, snacks were offered before
the speakers and attendees of the event moved to the Saló del Tinell,
in the Plaza del Rei, which until September 9 will host the "Gaudí:
the search for form" exhibit, which analyzes Gaudí's treatment
of space, form, geometry and structures.
Carlos Martínez
karlus@gaudiclub.com
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