Universo Gaudí

The exquisite and unique work of Antoni Gaudí is now on display at Madrid's Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Renia Sofia, in commemoration and recognition of the 150th aniversary of Gaudí's birth. Though most famous for his colorful and original architecture that both decorates and gives notoriety to Barcelona, Gaudí's talent stretches further, as displayed by the more than 400 works on exhibition.

Universo Gaudí brings audiences closer to understanding the forces that influenced the artist's creativity and the creations that stimulated his architectural imagination. The exhibition is structured into three sections, with Gaudí's work juxtaposed with pieces created by the artists that influenced him. The objective is to help audiences gain a better understanding of Gaudí's seemingly inexplicable creativity, framed within the context of his time.

The first of the three sections, Las cosas vistas, is based on the culture and artistic vanguard during the time of Gaudí's formation. During his school days at The School of Architecture of Barcelona, Gaudí was exposed to and influenced by the artists that would help form his own style of art. These artists and movements include: medievalism, John Ruskin, Arts & Crafts, Viollet-le-Duc, Wagner, symbolism, and Fortuny. Perhaps equally as influential and inspirational was large momumental architecture, to which Gaudí paid much attention as a kid. Young Gaudí was mesmorized by la Ópera de Garnier in Paris and the Universal Expositions of 1889.

The second section of the exhibit is dedicated to the work of Gaudí with a perspective of the creative process of his "projects": the synthesis of art and architecture with an interpretation of the process and formation of ideas into artwork. An important space for Gaudí was his workshop, situated right below la Sagrada Familia. Introduced to his audiences by photos, insight into this special workshop provides explanation of the methods and creative processes of his work. The photos explain that Gaudí's workshop was atypical of those of other architects, as it appeared more like that of a sculptor. The exhibition continues with models, sketches and images of the artist himself and those collaborating with him, such as Llimona and Carles Mani.

Section three reveals the presence of Gaudí in contemporary art and architecture. Gaudí combined oniric value with sometimes eerie features to ensure unique and intriguing architecture, which later became influential on the surrealists. Gaudí's constructive techniques and geometric logic made him one of the world's most fascinating and famous architects.

Within the boundaries of Madrid's gorgeous Reina Sofía Art Museum, is this truly amazing exhibit. "Universo Gaudí" is sure to fascinate and educate, as the art itself tells the tale behind this genious and his work.