The art of Barcelona takes root in Singapore

PUBLISHED November 19th, 2013 01:09 am | UPDATED January 20th, 2016 03:40 pm

There’s no denying Singapore has become a veritable hot spot when it comes to art galleries – how different a scene to only a few years ago where the picture was very different indeed. With a flurry of art galleries opening up shop here, international players from all across the globe have been laying down their roots one by one, one of the latest being Barnadas Huang, the sister gallery of Galeria Jordi Barnadas, an influential and reputable name in the vibrant Spanish art scene.

Founded by Barcelona native Jordi Barnadas, in collaboration with partners Abigail Wong and Benjamin Ng, we find out from Barnadas how we will now be able to get a slice of Barcelona art, right here in Singapore.

Barcelona is a city that thrives on art – can you tell us how you will be bringing over some of that energy over to Singapore with the new gallery?

We are bringing the best of Spanish art over to introduce it to a new generation of art lovers and collectors in Asia. We have tried to recreate the atmosphere of Galeria Jordi Barnadas at Barnadas Huang – it is a space that is open yet intimate, designed to display artwork and engage passers-by.

Barcelona has a long and significant artistic tradition – but what can we expect from today’s artists like those exhibited in The Real Barcelona, the opening exhibition at the gallery?

We think the artists we are carrying in The Real Barcelona, like all artists who have lived and worked in Barcelona, are inspired by the sights and sounds of the city.  The vibrance of Spanish culture is translated into their art, although in different ways by different artists.  Many of them have grown to become successful and recognised names in the Catalan art market, and have entered many high-profile collections internationally. I think we only can expect greater things from them moving forward.

Three great artists of the 20th century – Dali, Miro and Picasso – herald from Barcelona. Has their work influenced any of the works that will be exhibited in The Real Barcelona?

Yes, of course.  You can see for example the women of Picasso in some of Didier Lourenco’s oil paintings, with their angular facial structure.  Dali’s colours are reflected in the bright and dream-like landscapes of Jordi Pinto.  We currently carry more than 40 artists in Barcelona, and we can’t wait to introduce more of them to Singapore.  Hopefully, with time, a composite of the artists we bring in will emerge in a way that captures the legacy and heritage of these modern masters.

Can you tell us what in particular you love about the artists featured in the exhibition?

We are bringing in about eight artists for the opening exhibition, and so it is difficult to speak about them individually.  But collectively, we love the fact that these are some of the hardest working and most technically proficient artists in Spain today.  They may differ in personalities and style, but the maturity and expertise they bring to each painting is something I am continuously impressed by.

The art scene is really taking off in Singapore – what makes you stand out from the rest?

First, we offer outstanding European fine art to both young and seasoned art collectors, at good and reasonable prices.  Second, it has always been our philosophy to integrate with the local community and help grow the local and regional art market.  We have some interesting projects planned for next year that we believe will reach out and engage the local community in an extensive and relatable manner, but that’s all we should probably say for now!

What should we be staying tuned for?

Our first exhibition in 2014 is a solo exhibition by Ulpiano Carrasco, an incredibly talented and successful artist who has done very well in Singapore in recent years.  For the first time ever, he is presenting a collection of Singapore cityscapes in his trademark vibrant colours and unique expressionist style.  We are really looking forward to the year ahead!

The Real Barcelona is showing at Barnadas Huang from 14th November 2013 – 13th January 2014 at Barnadas Huang Gallery. For more information please see the gallery website here.