In Barcelona – and indeed in all cities – contemporary art doesn’t always tend to be best represented in the big galleries and museums, with a considerable part of the work of today’s artists being produced in independent spaces which are separate to the large-scale cultural organisations. With this in mind, a new local proposal is drawing the interest of artists and art-world professionals: and it’s called “AyC,” which is an abbreviation of “Arte y Consciencia,” and is in the Poble Sec neighbourhood, on Calle Margarit, 48: a young and dynamic creative space which first opened its doors last May.

Developed by a group of artists, the centre is rapidly becoming a broad, and international project, which includes individual and collective shows, workshops, conferences and various other events. Far from being a commercial space, AyC is more of an association, with its members promoting and practising a style of work which rejects some of the established hierarchies and infrastructures. The process of evaluation and selection of projects always seeks to unite the interests of all sides. At AyC they believe this level of communication is fundamental for initiatives and ideas to take shape and be a success. What’s clear is that the centre is a space which supports and develops art as a place for communal action and expression – and as a language for the expression of discontent with social developments. The project is directed at those who have something to teach, or show and who would like to do it in on a non-profit, and multi-disciplinarian platform – and one which also offers theatre and dance workshops, exhibitions and events.

AyC is just as supportive of infrastructure and the technical side of things, as the human element, working hard at the production, and promotion of its projects. Creative spaces such as this look for the perfect balance of “work” and creativity – perhaps an idealistic endeavour, but nevertheless, the idea of art as a media for experimenting with different creative possibilities is an attractive one. Art, which in recent decades has strongly placed in crisis the notion of “beauty,” can indeed be a platform for the exploration of new paths and formats which might otherwise lack an outlet. On the official website you’ll find all the information you need for proposing projects or signing up for the workshops: www.ayc-lamargarita.blogspot.com

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So if you are interested in proposing a project or idea for the space, or attending one of their activities, why not rent Barcelona accommodation , and come and spend a few days devoted to all things art.

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Translated by: Poppy
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Tags: art, conscience, culture, events, exhibitions, Underground

Retrospective on life and work of José Peréz Ocaña, key figure on the underground performance arts scene, in “La Virreina” arts centre. In 1983 Spain was in the midst of a huge democratic transition. One of the most controversial and politically radical performance artists dies due to injuries received alter an accident happened during one of his actions.

For Ocaña´s last great performance, he dressed up as the sun and walked the streets of his hometown during the middle of the yearly parties. His sun costume paradoxically caught fire, and body, generator of so many political, sexual and social questions burned to ash in one last extreme show.

At the time of his death, Ocaña had made his name in the gay Spanish scene although his performances were never really recognized or appreciated by the mainstream art world.

Sevillian by birth, Ocaña came to Barcelona in 1979 and always considered his life and what went with it as his work. His art did not shy away from any aspect of life, and included such figures of the popular imagination like flamenco, town festivals, and characters that he invented that protested the repression and poverty of the years of Franco. Ocaña was a very effective and potent figure in the opposition to the Franco regime.

The exposition, which opened a few days ago in the Virreina art space, will be open until the 24th of may is part of an interesting series of exhibitions titled “ A Secret Guide to the Rambla” along with Ocaña, we can find photos from Frederic Ballell, Gabriel Casas, Josep Maria Sagarra, Brassaï, Dora Maar, Ramon Masats, Colita, Xavier Miserachs, Josep Cunties and Manel Armengol as well as the work Eva Serrats, Red Caballo, Àngels Margarit, Oriol Vilanova, Peter Downsbrough, Jaume Pitarch, Beat Streuli and Frank Berger. In another hall we can see one of the most important books of photography in black and white about Barcelona from the artist Xavier Miserachs, published in 1964.

Ocaña´s work presented includes his photography, drawings, accounts of his performances and actions and all types of documentations about his constant production. The exhibit brings this curios figure to life thanks to this information, and allows visitors to get to know Ocaña his life, marked by the unconscious union between the political and the aesthetic.

A marvellous adventure that if you stay in Apartments in Barcelona you can enjoy in comfort, and discover the secrets of the Barcelona 70´s underground.

Tags: barcelona, barcelona underground, José Peréz Ocaña, La Virreina