Spain is known for much more than its white sand beaches and clear, warm waters, it’s renowned for its rich artistic heritage. In 2023 Spain will celebrate three of its most famous sons – the renowned impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla, the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso and Modernista architect, Domenech i Montaner.
2023 SOROLLA IN VALENCIA
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Joaquín Sorolla, Valencia’s most renowned impressionist painter who captured the light of the Mediterranean in his works. The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia has permanent exhibitions of his work such as “Grupa valenciana” and “Figuras de casacas jugando en un jardín”. In addition to these, an immersive display entitled “Sorolla a través de la luz” that will showcase some of his rarely exhibited pieces.
There will also be guided tours of Valencia City to visit the sites associated with the painter, including his birthplace, next to the church of Santa Catalina where he was baptized; the Centro del Carmen, the School of Fine Arts where he studied; the Bancaja Cultural Centre, where there will be temporary exhibitions dedicated to the artist; and Malvarrosa beach, which inspired some of his most famous scenes. The Vertical restaurant will also be offering a menu inspired by Soralla’s work.
2023 YEAR OF PICASSO
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, recognised with more than 40 international events organised across both Spain and France, where the artist spent much of his life.
Picasso is of particular importance to Málaga – his homeland. Picasso who was born in the city in the 19th century, died at 91 years old in 1973. Large museums across Spain – including that of Málaga – will have special exhibitions to commemorate the occasion. 2023 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Picasso Museum in Málaga, giving even more emphasis to Picasso’s birth city.
2023 DOMENECH I MONTANER IN BARCELONA
In 2023, Barcelona will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the death of renowned Catalan Modernista architect, Domenech i Montaner. Domenech created works across Barcelona including the Palau de la Musica, Casa Lleó i Morera, Hospital Sant Pau, as well as various lesser-known buildings. The department of culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya formed the committee ‘Taula Lluís Domènech i Montaner’, which will be holding events and exhibitions to showcase the work he left behind and the influence he had on Modernista heritage. Barcelona Turisme has produced a leaflet to show the self-guided Domenech Modernista walking routes that are available in the city with guided tours available.
