Homage to Joan Prats, Barcelona: Artists of Spain

This curated collection celebrates the enduring influence of Joan Prats, the legendary Catalan art dealer and cultural advocate who was a central figure in the evolution of modern Spanish art.

The exhibition features five of Spain’s most distinguished artists, each of whom made vital contributions to the international art world, and whose connections to Prats helped shape their legacies:

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
A towering figure in 20th-century art, Picasso revolutionized the visual language of the modern era. Born in Málaga and deeply tied to his Spanish heritage, Picasso’s innovations—from Cubism to political painting—reshaped global art. His commitment to social and political commentary, exemplified in works like Guernica, remains a profound expression of Spanish identity and historical trauma.

Salvador Dalí (1904–1989)
A native of Figueres, Catalonia, Dalí redefined Surrealism through his fantastical imagery, technical mastery, and theatrical persona. He drew on the dream world, subconscious, and Spanish Catholic mysticism to create some of the most iconic imagery in art history. Dalí was also closely connected to Joan Prats, with both sharing roots in Catalonia’s artistic vanguard.

Antoni Tàpies (1923–2012)
A foundational figure in postwar Spanish abstraction, Tàpies fused materiality, mysticism, and political resistance in his work. His use of earthy textures and unconventional materials transformed painting into a form of philosophical inquiry. A Catalan nationalist and a quiet rebel during Franco’s regime, Tàpies used abstraction as a vehicle for cultural identity and spiritual expression.

Joan Hernández Pijuan (1931–2005)
Pijuan’s lyrical and contemplative paintings offer a uniquely Spanish meditation on landscape, memory, and gesture. A native of Barcelona, he blended minimalist aesthetics with deep emotional resonance, often referencing the Catalan countryside. His quiet, meditative works stand in contrast to louder political voices but are no less powerful in their cultural symbolism.

Jim Bird (1937–2010)
Though born in the United Kingdom, Bird spent much of his life in southern Spain and became an integral part of its artistic community. His expressive abstraction reflects the intense light, color, and spirit of Andalusia. Bird’s artistic dialogue with Spanish contemporaries and his presence in major Spanish collections underscore his relevance within the country’s postmodern art scene.

Joan Prats (1891-1970), a lifelong friend of Joan Miró and an early supporter of Dalí and Tàpies, was instrumental in fostering modern art in Barcelona during a time of political and cultural repression. He founded Galeria Joan Prats in 1976, creating a vital space for avant-garde expression in Spain. This exhibition honors his legacy by bringing together artists whose careers and philosophies were deeply influenced by his vision.

Homage to Joan Prats, Barcelona: Artists of Spain is a rare opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Spain’s artistic contribution to the modern world. These works reflect a shared cultural spirit—bold, introspective, visionary—that continues to shape the international art discourse. A digital catalog will be available.

Gallery Hours:
Tues – Sat, 11 AM – 6 PM