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Antoni Gaudí
Dreaming and Building
28 April to 18 September 2005
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This large-scale exhibition shows the fascinating world of architect
Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926).
Models, paintings, original construction elements, drawings and photographs sketch an image
of a unique architect who converted the influence of Art Nouveau into a style all his own.
Mosaics, furniture and other objects show the importance of Gaudí as a designer who
left nothing to chance but rather designed the entire building, including the interior, himself.
His most famous buildings, such as Casa Milà, Park Güell and the still unfinished
Sagrada Familia church determine the appearance of Barcelona. |
Mysteries and constructions
Even though Gaudí is rightfully the most famous architect who ever lived, his works are shrouded
in mysteries. Showing Gaudí's development from architect to self-willed artist, the Kunsthal's
exhibition will shed light on a few of these mysteries. The organic shapes of his fairy-tale buildings
betray the influence of Art Nouveau, but Gaudí takes things one step further. He enlivens old
buildings into something externally revolutionary – by the use of materials – as well as structurally
ingenious. To be able to truly value Gaudí's place in history, it is important to understand the
structure of his buildings. To that end, spectacular suspended constructions are shown that helped him
visualise his designs. Moreover, the symbolic meanings of his buildings will be unveiled.
Barcelona is Gaudí
In the second half of the nineteenth century, Barcelona was a city in the making, an ideal
breeding ground and workplace for an architect. Gaudí created most of his works in Barcelona
. In fact, Barcelona is Gaudí.
In addition to the creation of Park Güell, a key event was his nomination as architect of the Sagrada
Familia, to which Gaudí devoted all his attention during the last twelve years of his life. On
7 June 19 26 , Gaudí was hit by a tram. He died five days later, plunging the entire city into
deep mourning. The Sagrada Familia remains a work in progress.
info
+ 31 (0) 10 4400301 , www.kunsthal.nl
Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm , Sundays and public holidays 11am - 5pm
Wednesday 27th of April 2005 |
