Antoni Gaudi: modernism, Catalan style.It is rare that one can visualize the city of Barcelona and not bring to mind a work by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926). One of the most famous architects in the world, his brightly colored, fairy-tale structures are like nothing before or since, defying convention in their undulating forms and drawing strongly on oriental tradition. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This exhibition in the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso San Ildefonso, town, Spain San Ildefonso (sän ēldāfōn`sō) or La Granja (lä gräng`hä), town (1990 pop. 5,088), Segovia prov., central Spain, in Castile-León. in Mexico City's Centro Historico, a beautiful setting with some 20,000 square meters Noun 1. square meter - a centare is 1/100th of an are centare, square metre area unit, square measure - a system of units used to measure areas given over to Gaudi, displays sketches, photos, videos, drafts, reproductions, ceramics and furniture, from or based on the architect's work. One hundred percent inspired by nature and natural lines, Gaudi famously said: "The architect is the synthetic man who sees things clearly as a whole before they are made." The exhibition provides a broad look at Gaudi's artistic development and most of his major works, but it is hard to truly convey the work of such an original architect within the confines of a museum. Photos hardly do justice to his startling star·tle v. star·tled, star·tling, star·tles v.tr. 1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start. 2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See Synonyms at frighten. colors and sweeping designs that meld with nature--the way he believed architecture should be. And it is hard to conceive of Verb 1. conceive of - form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case; "Can you conceive of him as the president?" envisage, ideate, imagine their impact from models. Take Villa El Capricho in Santander (northern Spain) for example. This wonderfully fantastical creation looks as if it is made out of blue and yellow Lego bricks and decorated with sunflowers. It is adorned a·dorn tr.v. a·dorned, a·dorn·ing, a·dorns 1. To lend beauty to: "the pale mimosas that adorned the favorite promenade" Ronald Firbank. 2. with minaret-style towers and boasts musical windows that are triggered on opening and closing. Photos and a ceramic sunflower sunflower, any plant of the genus Helianthus of the family Asteraceae (aster family), annual or perennial herbs native to the New World and common throughout the United States. detail give the idea, but can they really recreate the ambience? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Having said that, it is a bold effort by the Real Catedra Gaudi (Spain) and San Ildefonso to bring this unique artist to Mexico and, under the circumstances, they have put together an impressive exhibition, including workshops and conferences to run alongside it. Pieces that could be put on display have been--among them wooden doors, fantastical furniture and ceramics. Gaudi, unlike many architects, was not only interested in creating the external structure but rather the whole piece. When possible, he also designed furniture, ceramics and other accessories to complement his work. And although I, not being an expert in such matters, am not perhaps able to see as much as another architect might in his drawings, it is fascinating to see his distinctive style emerge in sketches for such unfinished commissions as Hotel Attraction Hotel Attraction was a proposed project by architect Antoni Gaudí, for a skyscraper in New York City. The project was commissioned in May 1908. Planned at a total height of 360 metres, it was probably unrealistic for its time. , a project intended for New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. . But I still think, given the chance, to truly experience Gaudi one needs to stand and look up at one of his buildings, walk around and inside it, and feel the energy that infuses it. Gaudi--an artist for all time Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso Justo Sierra Justo Sierra Méndez (Campeche, México, January 26, 1848 - Madrid, Spain, September 13, 1912), was a prominent Mexican writer, journalist[1], poet and political figure of the second half of the nineteenth century. 16, Centro Historico, Mexico D. F. Tel: 5702 6378 Exhibition is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-17:30, until May 29. Entry costs $35.00, free on Tuesdays. |
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