Nature and Creativity: Thoughts after visiting the Bestiary exhibition at Artur Ramon Art Gallery

Barcelona 2024

Rediscovering Creativity: My Visit to the Bestiary Exhibition

Recently, I’ve started exploring art galleries in my neighbourhood. My love for art in all its forms fuels this habit—I can spend hours gazing at a piece of art, letting it provoke thoughts and emotions. Sometimes I wonder about the artist’s life and the circumstances that led to the creation of their work. Other times, I study the techniques, the interplay of light, or the story the artwork tells.

I also consider myself an artist, though I feel my creativity has been dormant lately. Visiting galleries has become my way of waking it up. Today, I’d like to share my experience at the Bestiary exhibition at Artur Ramon Art Gallery, a place I had visited before and admired deeply for its ability to merge art and space into a seamless, atmospheric experience.

Art Meets Space

The Artur Ramon Art Gallery doesn’t just exhibit works; it creates an environment where art and space harmonise beautifully. During my previous visit, I explored the exhibition Another Imagination by Jordi Ortiz + 373 Trees, which left a lasting impression. The gallery’s team used every aspect of the venue to elevate the experience, blending the works with the space in a way that felt seamless and organic. Naturally, I was eager to return when I received an invitation to their next show, Bestiary.

As someone who enjoys depicting empty streets, uninhabited landscapes, and subtle elements of life like trees swaying in the wind, I was intrigued by the theme. The title suggested a celebration of life’s forms, particularly animals, which I don’t often include in my work. This felt like a natural continuation of the gallery’s previous exhibition, where respect for nature and art’s connection to flora was evident.

Bestiary: A Blend of Tradition and Playfulness

A curated display of framed drawings at the Bestiari exhibition in Artur Ramon Art Gallery, showcasi

A bronze horse sculpture displayed on a pedestal at the Bestiari exhibition, capturing playful pose

Surreal animal illustrations in vintage black frames at the Bestiari exhibition.

A series of six dynamic equestrian drawings captures movement, balance, and artistic grace.

A wooden snake sculpture, coiled in a spiral, merges realism with artistic charm.

Two marble lion sculptures exude strength, artistry, and timeless elegance.

The Bestiary exhibition surprised me with its mix of classical and playful elements. On one hand, the setup was traditional: paintings adorned the walls, and sculptures stood on pedestal columns. The attention to detail was impeccable—especially in the frame selection, which elevated the artworks and enhanced their impact.

On the other hand, there were unexpected touches that added vibrancy and life. A wooden snake, curled in a spiral on the floor, added an element of intrigue, while marble lions exuded strength and elegance. The decision to display some works on tables lent a sense of intimacy, adding warmth to the overall atmosphere. The exhibition wasn’t exactly what I anticipated, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Reflections on Art and Simplicity

As I wandered through the exhibition, I found myself reflecting on the essence of art. True art doesn’t have to be complicated or overthought. It can be simple, sincere, and emotional—expressing love for a pet, joy in a moment, or the wonder of an exotic creature. Art should connect with the viewer’s heart, not just their intellect.

I admire art that leaves room for interpretation, free from politics or an author’s imposed viewpoint. When art interacts with the viewer’s emotions, it sparks their imagination and creates a personal dialogue. This is the kind of art I aspire to create—work that emphasizes feelings and the deep, unbreakable bond between humans and nature, conveyed in subtle, emotional ways.

A Journey Toward Creativity

This visit inspired me to rethink my creative boundaries. If I’ve always worked in black and white, why not experiment with color? Creativity is not a straight line; it’s a winding path with endless possibilities. Failure is part of the process, and each misstep can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Moving forward, I want to focus more on relationships—between humans and nature, and the emotions these connections evoke. It’s a direction that excites me and feels deeply personal.

An Invitation to Explore

I encourage you to visit galleries and museums without expectations. Let the art speak to you freely and engage with it emotionally. Sometimes, simplicity can be more profound than complexity. After all, life itself is far broader and richer than we can imagine.

If you’re in Barcelona, make sure to visit the Bestiary exhibition at Artur Ramón Art Gallery. It’s a wonderful place to reflect and find inspiration. I’d like to thank the curators and the entire team for creating such a thought-provoking and enjoyable experience.

As for me, this exhibition has sparked a few experiments of my own, which I’m excited to share with you soon! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media to stay updated.

Love and peace to all,

Sketchsy