Barcelona Photoblog

September 19, 2007

Mermaid Captured in La Rambla, Barcelona

Mermaid Human Living Statue in La Rambla, Barcelona

This mermaid was captured with my Nikon D70s while fishing for human statues along La Rambla, Barcelona. Fishy things there were indeed in the sea of tourists, like pickpockets or trileros trying to swindle people with cards, but those were dangerous species to play with. Besides I felt charmed and subdued by the irresistible chant. I tried to tie myself up to a lamp post and covered my ears like some modern Ulises but then she pulled out a small jewel box covered in shells, insinuated a smile and I succumbed. One more euro!

September 18, 2007

A Marvel of Marble Human Statue

A Marvel of Marble Human Statue [enlarge]

This is for me one of the greatest human statues at Las Ramblas de Barcelona. It was hard to capture white colors properly. As you know the ccd of the camera can be fooled by bright or dark surfaces thus making the picture too white or too dark depending on which surface you focus. The guy was smiling at me after I gave him one euro. Sometimes a picture is worth the money and these street artists really deserve it.

Note: Barcelona Photoblog has been invited to be part of Saatchi Gallery Online, a free showcase for photographers and a world leading interactive resource created for the art community. See some of my pictures here at Saatchi Online.

September 17, 2007

Giants in Catalonia: The Eagle

Giants (Capgrossos i gegants) in Catalonia: The Eagle (Aliga)

This is a detail of an eagle, the eagle that represents the city. Yes, it is not a closeup on a small adornment but a figure taller than me (anyone of course!) which can be admired among other giants in the Palau de la Virreina building at La Rambla, 99. This is the original figure from 1999 by Xavier Jansana. You can also see its replica at the popular site known as La Casa dels Entremesos

Long ago in medieval times when theater and religion used to go hand in hand in the form of mystery plays staged in the streets, giants began to play an important role in Catalan towns. One of them was the figure of L'Aliga (eagle). In spite of not being as tall as the rest of the figures, the animal was a symbol of the corresponding city and its municipal authorities, thus the crown, and was mainly used to receive important personalities that came into town. The eagle is often holding a white pigeon in the menacing beak. There was a time when the pigeon was alive and was to be eaten by participants later on. 

L'Aliga is the only giant that is allowed to dance before the altar in church and there are specific procedures to observe when walking her in processions.

September 16, 2007

Tango Dancers in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Tango Dancers in Las Ramblas, Barcelona [enlarge]

After some hieratic figures of human statues I decided to show you the tango dancers of Las Ramblas, Barcelona. They definitely make up a much more dynamic image. There isn't much to say here, only that you can find them almost at the end of the street near the sea, more or less next to the wax museum alley. The middle sidewalk along Las Ramblas seems to be less crowded in that area and some interesting quick performances take place. I was lucky to find a YouTube video with the same couple dancing in Las Ramblas, it is called Tango Dans La Rue

September 15, 2007

Human Statue in Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Elf or Vulcan?

Human Statue in Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Elf or Vulcan? [enlarge]

Yet another human statue in Las Ramblas, I wonder how many they can be! This time I can't really tell what he is, an elf, a goblin or a Vulcan like Mr. Spock from the Stark Trek saga. At the moment of shooting he was not working. In fact he was smoking and had this vacant stare into space way beyond his future customers. I bet he was thinking about what a crap this job can get to be. But then he seemed to sigh and started finishing his makeup. For the point of view of people photography these artists make a much striking picture before or after they pose, because that's the precise moment when they reveal their true personalities, their souls.

September 14, 2007

Spanish Paintings in Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Collage

Spanish Paintings in Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Collage [enlarge]

Here is a collage of Spanish paintings about topics such as bullfighting and flamenco plus some everyday scenes of Barri Gotic or El Raval streets, two quarters nearby Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Paintings like these are frequently ignored by Barcelonians and I guess this happens in other cities like say Paris, London...,but they obviously trap tourists like ants on a sugar lump. I don't say it isn't art but they are mostly centered on cliches and contribute to enhance them. When we visit Paris or London they do the same to us and we bite on the bait! Come to think of it I would do the same if I were to paint for money. So this is not the artist's fault, it is the cultural authorities' responsibility to promote a more representative art without forgetting, and I stress this, the cliches which are also part, in this case, of Spanish culture.

September 13, 2007

Seasoned Human Statue Sitting in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Profile of seasoned human statue in Las Ramblas

Yet another street artist or human statue I captured while walking down Las Ramblas towards the sea. The weathered man was sitting on this chair showing off his painted clothes and glasses while he read a book. I couldn't really tell if he was sleeping or watching you drop a coin on the can cause his eyes were hidden behind a thin orange coat of paint in the middle of the spectacles. The whole disguise made him look elegant, like some famous writer, maybe he was some sort of Kafka. He wouldn't say being a statue and all.

September 12, 2007

Street Artists in La Rambla, Barcelona: Human Statue

Street Artists in La Rambla, Barcelona: Human Statue - Vegetal Equilibrium [enlarge]

As I said yesterday I took some new pictures of street artists performing in La Rambla, Barcelona. Human statues that turn around and make funny faces, wink an eye, freak you out with a sudden movement or hold a ball on their fingertips while they elegantly pose for your camera as this man, dressed like a tree or some kind of deity, maybe trying to suggest a fruit and the equilibrium Mother Nature needs nowadays to survive.

Recommended: I would like to recommend Olivierdestroy whose artwork I came across today at Flickr. Some may like him, some others not so much but you won't remain indifferent. Note: requires to be logged in.

September 11, 2007

Flower Bouquets at Flower Stall, La Rambla, Barcelona



These colorful flower bouquets I found at one of the flower stalls along La Rambla

It was a holiday in Barcelona as today it was the day of Catalonia, that is, La Diada that happens to coincide with the anniversary of the terrible events of the twin towers on September 11th or what we all know as 9/11. 

I went to see if I captured some new images of street artists so abundant in the area and I managed to take some pictures in the end. I will show you in coming posts since on second thought I preferred to post the flowers to honor 9/11 victims and commemorate our Diada.

As you probably know it is common to find flower stands along this famous street, in fact this part is called Ramblas de les Flors or Flower Ramblas because of the big assortment of flowers. 

There is a great offer of bouquets, made not only of natural plants but also of dried colorful flowers, some of them even painted.

Here are some links to examples of some flower bouquets of Las Ramblas, Barcelona as shown in other posts:


  1.  Flower Bouquet at La Rambla dels Flors
  2.  Carnation Fresco in Flower Stall
  3.  Flower Stock Photography
  4.  Small Colorful Bouquets of Paper Flowers
  5.  Purple Flower Fantasy in Las Ramblas
  6.  Pink Flower Fantasy in Las Ramblas


September 10, 2007

Sailboat Coming In Barcelona Port

Sailboat Coming In Barcelona Port [enlarge]

A sailboat coming in Barcelona Port towards the marina at Port Olympic. While on board of a Golondrina (swallow) which is the name of the sightseeing boats in Barcelona harbour, I took this picture of the vessel sailing past our wake. There in the background, you can see some tiny fishermen at the far end of the port's mouth. For a better idea about this area please follow this link to my Barcelona port label.

Recommended: Today I would like to suggest a new search engine implemented on top of Barcelona photoblog. This is a Google searchbox customized to look up for photography terms. It feeds from top photography sites and it is going to grow as I increase the number of sources. If you know about top-notch photography sites please drop me a line and I will add them right away.

September 09, 2007

Classic Marionettes at Tibidabo Amusement Park: Clown

Marionettes at Tibidabo Amusement Park
Marionetarium at Tibidabo Amusement Park

Since one picture wasn't enough here is a second marionette: the Clown. In fact at Tibidabo they have a workshop where experts make new marionettes for the park and preserve the old ones which are part of Herta Frankel's collection.

Herta was a famous Austrian puppeteer that came to Barcelona in 1942 and became very well known for her TV series for children.

Tibidabo's show only lasts about half an hour but you are going to see authentic collectionist antiques there. The place is called Marionetarium.

September 08, 2007

Classic Marionettes at Tibidabo: Trapezist

Classic Marionettes at Tibidabo: Trapezist

These are classic trapeze marionettes you can admire inside Tibidabo Amusement Park.

The trapezists were hanging from the ceiling on our way to the small room where the marionette show was about to start.

I am sorry if the picture appears to be upside down. There are many flaws because the image was snatched in a hurry. It was totally forbidden to take pictures of the marionettes.

September 07, 2007

Gold Fish by Frank O. Ghery, Barcelona

Gold Fish by Frank O. Ghery, Barcelona

The Gold Fish or Peix D'Or by Frank O.Ghery near Hotel Arts and Paseo Marítimo is located in the middle of a complex of restaurants, shops and discos known as the Olympic Port which is one of the most visited spots in the city specially at night. Check a previous post with the Gold Fish silhouette in the distance. The sculpture built in 1992 for the Olympic games acts as a canopy for some of the restaurants and a fountain in the underground floor.

September 06, 2007

Red Flowers in Memoriam

Luciano Pavarotti: Red Flowers in Memoriam [enlarge]

How much I admire a person with a gift. Not the mundane kind of gift like when you have a talent to make money or to memorize the yellow pages, but the sort of gift that transforms an individual into a unique person, a historical character, a reference for generations to come. Most people have to die first so others become aware of their imprint on history but a few are lucky enough to leave this world with the satisfaction of not being just a number but an idea, a spirit, a name, flowing in the stream of the collective mind till the end of times. I did not have any particular reason to post these red flowers today but one item of news called my attention this morning: Luciano Pavarotti dies at 71. One single headline lost in a sea of tragic stories but ladies and gentlemen we should rise and give his eternal soul a stand-up ovation and throw a thousand red flowers in memoriam.
Una Furtiva Lagrima - Luciano Pavarotti

September 05, 2007

Keith Richards and Woody Allen - Paper Mache - Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Woody Allen and Keith Richards in Papier mache, Barcelona store

Is it possible to see Keith Richards and Woody Allen in Barcelona, both in the same room, considering that the only thing in common that they have is they are weird and play an instrument? 

I had the chance to live such mystic experience in front of a souvenir shop in Barri Gotic, but both celebrities were made of paper mache. I had my doubts with Keith though!. Keith cost about 220 euros as I read on the tag hanging from his "cigarrette". 

Don't say it wouldn't be great to have one of these somewhere around the house just for the fun of it, if affordable of course.

September 04, 2007

Palau Sant Jordi Sports Center and Concert Hall in Montjuic, Barcelona

Palau Sant Jordi Sports Center and Concert Hall in Montjuic, Barcelona [enlarge]

Palau Sant Jordi, not far away from the tower in yesterday's post (yes, that white tip is not on the roof) is a totally different building both in design and functionality. This time we are facing a wide almost square building (see the Palau Sant Jordi on Google Earth) that in spite of looking big standing at the entrance, seems to be terribly flat from the distance as proportions are deceiptful in the enormous square of the Olympic ring on Montjuic Hill (check Palau Sant Jordi in an old post to see what I mean). Palau Sant Jordi was meant to be a sports center and as such was inaugurated in 1992 for the Olympic Games in Barcelona. Nevertheless, designers were wise enough to conceive the facilities as a multiuse space that can shift from a skating rink to a tennis court, a swimming tank, a basketball court and what's best, an important concert hall where famous bands and singers have performed. The building was designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki & Associates. Find out about what other important works by Arata Isozaki here: Arata Isozaki & Associates via Emporis.

September 03, 2007

Santiago Calatrava's Montjuic Communications Tower, Barcelona

Santiago Calatrava's Communications Tower, Barcelona

This is Santiago Calatrava's Communications Tower standing against the sun in the middle of the big square at the Olympic Ring on Montjuic Hill. The structure is located near Palau Sant Jordi sports center, Picornell swimming pools and the Olympic Stadium. 

When you think of this artist, Calatrava, you think about impossible structures of steel and glass that resemble skeletons, carcasses with exposed ribs, sails, etc. In this case we are just talking about a 136 meter high tower that was meant only for telecommunications. But still it doesn't look like one of those horrible antennas full of dishes. It is weird I know but elegant at the same time. 

The tower's white steel structure with the tip tapering like a flame, does recall the Olympic torch or perhaps the jet engine of some extraterrestrial airship and oddly enough it doesn't stand in the way, maybe because of the line of nearby columns illuminated at night or the immensity of the square that evokes Soviet or Maoist grandiloquent and megalomaniac architecture. I digress. 

Some brief facts about Calatrava then: Born on July 28, 1951 in Valencia, Spain, he studied architecture in the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura (Valencia) and later on took post-graduate courses in civil engineering in Zurich. His work is well known all over the world so I will not deal with the many projects in his prolific career that you can consult in the following useful links:




September 02, 2007

Door Ironwork at Casa Mila or La Pedrera

Door Ironwork at Casa Mila or La Pedrera

This is a frontal view of the fabulous ironwork door at Casa Mila aka La Pedrera by Gaudi.

Check this great link: Iron and Metals in the Works of Gaudi

September 01, 2007

Nativity Façade: Herod's Soldier Slaying Baby

Nativity Façade: Soldier Slaying Baby

This sculptoric group or scene on the Nativity Façade at La Sagrada Familia is by far one of the most sinister and dramatic representations I have ever seen in sculpture: Herod's soldiers at Bethlehem are sent to kill all boys under the age of 2.

August 31, 2007

Turtle Holding Pillar at Sagrada Familia

Turtle Holding Pillar at Sagrada Familia [enlarge]

One of the pillars holding part of the Nativity Façade where you can appreciate this turtle, one of the many animals that adorn La Sagrada Familia. Remember natural elements such as plants or animals were a leitmotif in Catalan Art Nouveau, especially in the works of Gaudi.

August 30, 2007

A Face-Like Flower

A Face-Like Flower [enlarge]

A face-like flower, or at least this is the impression I always get from the distance whenever I come accross with them, is what I have today to bring a colorful note after the dull image in the previous post.

August 29, 2007

Agbar Tower

Agbar Tower [enlarge]

The Agbar Tower, an office building designed by Jean Nouvel, is the headquarters of an important water supply company in Barcelona by the same name: AGBAR (Aguas de Barcelona). It is also known as the "suppository" and it is inspired on the shape of some monoliths on top of Montserrat mountains some kms away from the city.

August 15, 2007

Classic Cars: Beetle VW in Blue

Classic Cars: Beetle VW in Blue


According to Wikipedia, the Volkswagen Beetle—officially the Volkswagen Type 1, informally in German the Käfer (meaning "beetle"), in parts of the English-speaking world the Bug, and known by many other nicknames in other languages—is a two-door, rear-engine economy car, intended for five occupants (later, Beetles were restricted to four people in some countries), that was manufactured and marketed by German automaker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003. 

The need for a people's car (Volkswagen in German), its concept and its functional objectives were formulated by the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, who wanted a cheap, simple car to be mass-produced for his country's new road network (Reichsautobahn). Members of the National Socialist party, with an additional dues surcharge, were promised the first production, but the war shifted production to military vehicles instead. Lead engineer Ferdinand Porsche and his team took until 1938 to finalise the design. Béla Barényi is credited with first conceiving the original design for this car in 1925,—notably by Mercedes-Benz, on their website, including his original technical drawing,—five years before Porsche claimed to have done his initial version. 

The influence on Porsche's design of other contemporary cars, such as the Tatra V570, and the work of Josef Ganz remains a subject of dispute. The result was the first Volkswagen, and one of the first rear-engined cars since the Brass Era. With 21,529,464 produced, the Beetle is the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single platform ever made. 

Although designed in the 1930s, due to World War II, civilian Beetles only began to be produced in significant numbers by the end of the 1940s. The car was then internally designated the Volkswagen Type 1, and marketed simply as the Volkswagen. 

Later models were designated Volkswagen 1200, 1300, 1500, 1302, or 1303, the former three indicating engine displacement, the latter two derived from the model number. The car became widely known in its home country as the Käfer (German for "beetle", cognate with English chafer) and was later marketed under that name in Germany, and as the Volkswagen in other countries. For example, in France it was known as the Coccinelle (French for ladybug).

August 14, 2007

Figure of Saint Holding Child at Park Guell

Figure of Saint Holding Child at Park Guell [enlarge]

This photoblog has been updated although images are not accompanied by any text since the last days of July since this blogger is and will be on holidays till September 1st. I hope you understand the lack of information. In the meantime, please feel free to browse my work, be my guest. Next block of pictures coming soon.


August 10, 2007

Barcelona Walls Remnants

Barcelona Walls Remnants [enlarge]


The History of Barcelona's City Walls 


Barcelona is a city with a long and rich history, and its city walls are a testament to that. The first walls were built in the 3rd century BC, when Barcelona was a Roman colony. These walls were made of stone and earth, and they surrounded the city for about 2 kilometers. 

In the 10th century, the Moors conquered Barcelona, and they built new walls around the city. These walls were made of brick, and they were much larger than the Roman walls. They surrounded the city for about 5 kilometers. 

In the 13th century, the Christians reconquered Barcelona, and they began to build new walls. These walls were made of stone, and they were even larger than the Moorish walls. They surrounded the city for about 10 kilometers. 

The city walls of Barcelona were used for centuries to protect the city from invaders. However, they began to fall into disrepair in the 18th century. 

In the 19th century, the walls were finally demolished, and they were replaced by a ring of boulevards. Today, only a few fragments of the city walls of Barcelona remain. However, these fragments provide a glimpse into the city's rich history. 

The Remains of the City Walls 


The most significant remains of the city walls of Barcelona are located in the Gothic Quarter. These remains include the Portal del Bisbe, the Portal de Santa Madrona, and the Torre del Rellotge. 

The Portal del Bisbe is a gate that was built in the 14th century. It is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Barcelona. 

The Portal de Santa Madrona is another gate that was built in the 14th century. It is located near the Plaça del Rei, which is the site of the former royal palace of Barcelona. 

The Torre del Rellotge is a tower that was built in the 14th century. It is located in the Plaça de Sant Jaume, which is the main square of Barcelona. The tower was originally used as a watchtower, and it now houses a clock. 

In addition to these significant remains, there are also a number of other fragments of the city walls of Barcelona scattered throughout the city. These fragments can be found in parks, gardens, and even in some of the city's streets. 

The Importance of the City Walls 


The city walls of Barcelona were an important part of the city's history. They protected the city from invaders for centuries, and they also helped to define the city's borders. The walls were also a symbol of the city's power and prestige. Today, the remains of the city walls of Barcelona are a reminder of the city's rich history. They are also a popular tourist destination, and they provide a glimpse into the city's past.

August 09, 2007

Girl On MNAC Steps

Girl On MNAC Steps [enlarge]


A hundred years of art at MNAC is something to think about and to inspire your imagination.
 
MNAC stands for the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, which translates to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. It is located in Barcelona, Spain, specifically in the Palau Nacional (National Palace) on Montjuïc Hill. MNAC is one of the most important art museums in Catalonia and houses an extensive collection of Catalan visual arts spanning various periods and styles.
 
The museum's collection covers a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, drawings, prints, and decorative arts. MNAC focuses primarily on Catalan art but also includes works from other regions of Spain and Europe. The collection encompasses art from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Catalan and European artistic traditions.
 
One of the highlights of the MNAC is its exceptional collection of Romanesque art, considered one of the most important in the world. It features stunning frescoes, altarpieces, and sculptures from churches and monasteries in Catalonia and other regions. The Gothic art section includes notable works such as the exquisite "Descent from the Cross" by Pere Serra and the iconic "Madonna and Child" by Jaume Huguet.
 
MNAC also showcases Renaissance and Baroque art, including paintings by famous artists like El Greco, Velázquez, and Rubens. The modern art collection features works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing movements such as Modernism and Noucentisme. Notable artists in this section include Santiago Rusiñol, Ramon Casas, and Antoni Gaudí.
 
Aside from its permanent collection, MNAC hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events throughout the year. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing them to explore the rich artistic heritage of Catalonia and beyond.

August 08, 2007

Cable Car at Montjuic

Cable Car at Montjuic [enlarge]


A wonderful view of the cable car at Montjuic under the sunny late afternoon hours
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