Today I have had a total surfeit of Gaudi and Picasso. I suspect the Stendhal Syndrome from Florence could easily affect one here in Barcelona also: too much of a good thing too soon.
Headed out early on the subway to take in Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Have become quite a fan of the Metro here: easy to use, cheap enough (€2 a ride), and one comes along every 3 minutes. If only Brisbane could match that! The queue for tickets was only a block long, and I signed up for audio tour and trip up one of the towers too.
From the outside the place is a typical Gaudi monstrosity, even though still far from complete (they plan 2026 to mark centenary of his death). It is only after listening to the audio that one starts to appreciate the extraordinary symbolism of religion and nature that he uses, and the mathematical symmetry of his design. But once you step inside, the experience is simply staggering. I have never been in a building like it. The scale, the interplay of light and shade, the variety of stone used, the sculpture and ceramics all combine to overwhelm one. An entire morning there only scratched the surface of it all. And then there was the museum and workshops in the basement, another world altogether. Apparently tourist fees pay for the ongoing work. A committee of experts oversees the completion of the project according to Gaudi’s concept, whilst allowing modern artists freedom to express themselves.
After that I headed into St Catherine’s market where I bought myself some light lunch. Around the corner then to Picasso’s museum. It is extremely well laid out and documented, giving one a neat summary introduction to the man and his evolving artistic style. Of course most of Picasso’s great works are to be found in galleries all over the world, but this hometown museum has enough to give one an appreciation of his work, like it or not.
Was only too happy to finally get back off my feet which are not in good shape. Tomorrow will have to be a minimal walking day to help recovery.
No photos allowed at Picasso, and I bought a DVD of the Sagrada Familia, so today’s selection is rather limited and can be seen here.
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