Surrealism in Catalonia. The artists of the Empordà and Salvador Dalí

From March 2nd to May 26th 2017

Any reference to Surrealism in Spain necessarily requires mention of Surrealism in Catalonia, of which Miró and Dalí were the major exponents. Any approach to Spanish Surrealism also requires mention of the Empordà region, the birthplace of one of the most universal artists, Salvador Dalí, and others, who were lesser known and whose concerns made it a land of artists.

Joan Massanet, Àngel Planells, Salvador Dalí, Ángeles Santos, Esteve Francés, Jaume Figueras, Evarist Vallès, Jaume Turró and Antoni Pitxot were exponents of magic realism, which involved drawing with great realism and perfectionism. The dreams always take place in the Empordà, which in reality is the main focus of their works.

The landscape, of great beauty and contrasts, is one of their main sources: Figueres, Cadaqués, Portbou, Ampurias, L’Escala, the Gulf of Roses, Cap de Creus and its legendary tramontane wind, and sharp, bright light.

All these artists took different paths but shared a love for the land they were from and its landscape.

Surrealism in Catalonia. The artists of the Empordà and Salvador Dalí