Subirachs and his fascination with the Torre de les Aigües
A new exhibition reveals the influence of vertical constructions in the work of this architect and sculptor, born at the Poble Nou neighborhood.
Josep Maria Subirachs had a long and bountiful career, and although he worked fruitfully in the fields of drawing he is best known for his work as an esculptor. He was responsible for a long string of works, and one could say that one of his main aesthetic fascinations was for airy and elegant vertical constructions. In fact, one of the main influences on his work was the Torre de les Aigües, an emblamatic building in Poblenou, his neighbourhood, which for Subirachs symbolised man's inventiveness in mastering nature. He was fascinated by towers, by the one in Pisa, for example, and he brought this obsession to bear in his work on the rest of his work. Now, an exhibition at Torre de les Aigües will go in depth into this relationship.
Only a few weeks ago, the Espai Subirachs, a permament exhibion devoted to the creative legacy of Josep Maria Subirachs, opened in Poblenou. ‘Subirachs: the tower as metaphor and symbol’ can be seen until 8 October and is linked to the exhibition at Espai Subirachs. If you can show that you have visited both exhibitions (though the stamps of the Arxiu Històric del Poblenou and the Espai Subirachs), you'll be given an example of the artist's graphic work, until supplies run out.
You'll find additional information at the website of the Arxiu Històric de Barcelona.