Konstnär
Född i Barcelona, Spain
The Architecture of Memory: The Sculptural World of Susana Solano
Born in the vibrant cultural landscape of Barcelona in 1946, Susana Solano has spent a lifetime translating the intangible textures of memory into the enduring weight of metal. Her artistic journey did not begin with the heavy strike of a hammer against iron, but rather with the delicate application of pigment to canvas. As a painter, she explored the nuances of color and form, yet it was in the late 1970s that she underwent a profound metamorphosis, moving away from the two-dimensional plane to embrace the physical presence of sculpture. This transition allowed her to engage directly with the concept of space, creating works that do not merely occupy a room but actively redefine the architectural boundaries within it.
Solano’s early education at the Real Acadèmia Catalana de Bellas Artes de San Jorge provided her with a rigorous foundation in art history and technique, yet her true inspiration was often found far from the classroom. Her childhood excursions through the Catalan landscape—from the family estate of "El Palau" in Falset to the sun-dasting Mediterranean coast—instilled in her a deep sensitivity to how light, terrain, and enclosure interact. These formative experiences became the silent protagonists of her later work, imbuing her monumental structures with a sense of place and a palpable, quiet solitude.
Materiality and the Language of Iron
In the mid-1980s, Solano’s practice underwent a definitive shift toward geometric minimalism, a movement that saw her adopting sheet iron as her primary medium. This choice was not merely aesthetic but deeply rooted in the Catalan artisanal forging traditions that have long defined the region's craftsmanship. By working with industrial materials like iron, steel, lead, and wire mesh, she established a dialogue between the rugged strength of metal and the ephemeral nature of light and shadow. Her sculptures often feature large-scale enclosures that evoke the feeling of bridges, tables, or even ancient thermal baths—spaces designed for ritual, transformation, and reflection.
The brilliance of Solano’s technique lies in her ability to manipulate heavy, imposing materials to achieve a sense of weightlessness. Through the clever use of wire mesh and glass, she creates surfaces that appear both fragile and enduring. One can observe this duality in works such as Jaosokor, where an iron armature is draped in transparent plastic, creating a surface that mimics the shimmering properties of water. This mastery over contrast allows her to explore complex themes:
Containment and Liberation: The tension between enclosed metal structures and the open space they frame.
The Organic and the Industrial: Blending synthetic, modern materials with forms that suggest tribal or natural origins.
Light as a Sculptural Element: Using transparency and mesh to allow ambient light to animate and transform the metal surfaces.
A Legacy of Presence and Permanence
The historical significance of Susana Solano lies in her ability to bridge the gap between the abstract traditions of Spanish masters like Julio González, Jorge Oteiza, and Eduardo Chillida and a more contemporary, personal narrative. While she shares their fascination with the philosophical implications of materiality, her work is uniquely marked by an emotional intimacy—a way of sculpting the "inner landscape" of the human psyche. Her sculptures do not just stand as objects; they act as thresholds, inviting the viewer to step into a space of contemplation and spiritual inquiry.
Throughout her prolific career, Solano’s work has been exhibited extensively across Europe, Spain, and the United States, earning her a place in prestigious collections such as the Guggenheim Museum and MACBA. As she continues to live and work in Barcelona, her legacy remains one of profound resilience. She has proven that even the coldest, most industrial materials can be imbued with the warmth of memory, the softness of light, and the eternal human search for meaning within the spaces we inhabit.
Museum
Utställd på Barcelona, Spain
A University’s Embrace of Art: Discovering UPF Art Track
Nestled within the vibrant heart of Barcelona, at the prestigious Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), lies a truly singular institution – UPF Art Track. More than simply a museum, it's an embodiment of the belief that artistic expression is inextricably linked to intellectual exploration and societal progress. Inaugurated in 2016 as part of the university’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, this remarkable space isn’t confined by traditional museum walls; instead, it thrives within a carefully curated selection of historic buildings, transforming them into dynamic hubs where art, architecture, and academia converge. The very essence of UPF Art Track is rooted in a profound desire to share the university's artistic heritage with the wider community, fostering a deeper appreciation for contemporary art and its transformative power.
The journey begins within the Dipòsit de les Aigües, a former water reservoir ingeniously reimagined as an exhibition space. This architectural marvel, conceived with the visionary input of Antoni Gaudí, immediately captivates visitors. The building’s hypostyle hall – a breathtaking forest of 100 soaring pillars supporting a labyrinthine network of arches – creates an atmosphere that is both profoundly historical and strikingly modern. It's a space designed to evoke contemplation, mirroring the complex interplay between past and present that defines UPF Art Track’s core mission. Adjacent to this architectural masterpiece resides Espai Tàpies, dedicated entirely to the profound work of Antoni Tàpies, one of Catalonia’s most celebrated artists. Here, visitors encounter his textured symbolism – paintings that seem to pulse with layered meaning and a deep connection to Catalan identity.
A Tapestry of Contemporary Voices
The collection itself is a testament to generosity and vision, boasting an impressive array of works by internationally acclaimed figures alongside emerging talents. You’ll be immediately drawn to the monumental sculptures of Jaume Plensa, whose pieces seem to breathe with life, inviting intimate contemplation. The canvases of Miquel Barceló explode with vibrant energy, while Eduardo Chillida's abstract forms challenge perception and invite deeper understanding. Beyond these cornerstones, a diverse selection of artists – Susana Solano, Roy Lichtenstein, Frederic Amat, Josep Guinovart, Albert Ràfols-Casamada, and Antonio Saura – contribute to the museum’s rich tapestry of contemporary artistic thought, each piece adding a unique thread to the narrative.
The selection isn't merely about showcasing individual masterpieces; it’s about creating a dialogue between artists and eras. The juxtaposition of Tàpies’ layered symbolism with Lichtenstein’s pop art references, for example, sparks intriguing conversations about artistic influence and cultural context. Furthermore, the inclusion of Catalan artists like Josep Guinovart and Albert Ràfols-Casamada ensures that the museum reflects the region's rich artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing a global perspective.
Architecture as Art: A Symbiotic Relationship
What truly distinguishes UPF Art Track is its seamless integration with university life. It’s not an isolated addition; it’s a vital component, fostering dialogue between students, faculty, and the broader community. The museum serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary exploration, inspiring new perspectives and encouraging critical thinking. The very architecture of the campus – buildings like the Roger de Llúria building, once military barracks, now housing not only art but also spaces dedicated to democratic memory and intellectual exchange – reinforces this symbiotic relationship.
This blending of history, art, and academia creates an atmosphere that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The museum’s presence on campus encourages a constant interaction between artistic creation and scholarly inquiry, enriching the educational experience for all who engage with it. The commitment to accessibility extends beyond physical access; UPF Art Track has embraced digital platforms, forging a partnership with Google Arts & Culture that allows art enthusiasts worldwide to explore its collections through virtual tours and online exhibitions.
A Legacy of Openness and Innovation
The story of UPF Art Track is one born from a desire to share and celebrate. The initiative arose from a vision to open the university’s artistic heritage to the public, transforming spaces previously reserved for academic pursuits into accessible cultural hubs. This spirit of openness extends beyond physical access; the museum has embraced digital platforms, forging a partnership with Google Arts & Culture that allows art enthusiasts worldwide to explore its collections through virtual tours and online exhibitions. The very inauguration on International Museum Day speaks volumes about the institution's ethos – a belief that art is not confined to hallowed halls but should be an integral part of everyday life, enriching both individual experience and collective consciousness.
UPF Art Track stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of art within an academic setting. It’s a place where history, creativity, and intellectual inquiry converge, offering visitors a truly unique and inspiring experience. A visit here is not merely a viewing of artworks; it's an immersion in a vibrant ecosystem of ideas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of artistic expression to shape our understanding of the world.
