Leighton Park School – Catalan Culture and Contrasts

22 Feb 2017

Year 11 artists absorbed much of the Catalan culture during a four day trip to Barcelona in September, gathering inspiration for this year’s theme of ‘Contrasts’. Beginning with the contemporary design and ceramics at Museu del Disseny they swiftly headed for the city’s beach at dusk before meandering through the packed streets of the Gothic Quarter.

On day two students took in the giants of Spanish art and architecture, Joan Miro and Antoni Gaudi. The Miro Foundation was reached via a funicular railway and was undoubtedly worth the climb. Energetic splashes of colour filled the gallery walls and rejuvenated everyone after a long morning.

With almost ten years to go until completion, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is already incredible. The afternoon saw the young artists entering a vast space filled with colour and light, with contrasting styles on each facade. In the evening everyone headed for the relative tranquillity of Parc Guell to take in the fresh air above the city.

Ralph reflected on the trip, “I was overwhelmed by the contrasts throughout the city. The Sagrada Familia has to be my number one though. It’s up there, for sure.”

The third day took in century old traditions in the Jewish quarter of Girona before working spontaneously in the spirit of Dada and Surrealism, at Dali’s Theatre in Figures.

The final day was spent in the hustle and bustle of a Barcelona market, taking street portraits of the stall holders and sampling local delicacies. This year’s trip will leave indelible memories on many and all have pledged to return for the completion of Gaudi’s masterpiece. Fantastico!