Day 118: Around Barcelona - Sun 31 Aug
Caught R1 train into Catalunya, in rapidly increasing heat. Gaudi
and Picasso were our targets for the day, firstly took hop on-off bus to orient
to old and newer parts of city and waterfronts. Our extensive tour passed
through the Gothic Quarter, parks, UNESCO landmarks, La Pedrera, bullfighting
arena, and El Cap de Barcelona (by surrealist pop artist Roy Lichtenstein).
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| Love the rippling shadows on this facade... |
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| La Pedrera |
Located in Gothic Quarter, thoroughly enjoyed Picasso Museum,
made up of 5 palaces situated in a once aristocratic street inhabited by noble families and rich sea merchants.
Browsed room after room of the artist’s different/evolutionary styles,
including early copies of Old Masters, the blue period, and his crystal then
more vibrant cubism works. His signature abstract paintings and ceramics
certainly drew the crowds (really love those two-faced pieces!). His later
works fetched millions, but they seemed to become increasingly stylized and “commercial”.
No photos allowed of course, so had to be satisfied buying and photographing postcards
including of his second wife “Jacqueline Sitting”, and “The Wait” (Margot), Picasso’s
unique version of pointillism.
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| The Wait |
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| Jacqueline Sitting |
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| Exploring Barri Gotic |
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| Supermarket trolley chairs |
Paused outside Barcelona Cathedral admiring outdoor art, but the legendary Sagrada Familia beckoned more strongly...
Gaped in awe at works of famed architect Antoni Gaudi, best-known
for his legendary church, La Sagrada Familia, still unfinished 100 years from
commencement. Its hard to get a feel for the synergy of the whole cathedral -
both exterior and interior are overwhelming in size and décor, some garish and
lavish, some exquisite and finely chiselled. Each part is a piece of art in its
own right, deserving of time to view and reflect.
With its vast spaces, soaring
ceilings and interplay of either vibrant or muted light on otherwise plain
structures, the interior is truly beautiful – a fitting crypt for its visionary.
Our couple of hours did not really do justice to this architectural wonder,
however, our exposure to Gaudi made it much easier to recognize his work in
other parts of the city (eg ceramic benches, ornate lamp posts).
Took
train back, had Catalan meal to avoid our having to cook in the continuing
heat.
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