Modernism was an art style that was reflective of a change in Barcelona. New political and cultural movements were being created, leading to a new identity for the Catalan people. A key feature of modernism in art is not following society's rule. It is the artist's job to step out of the box and create artwork that will make someone have a double-take and read into the work that is presented. Modernist art is full of vibrant colors that express the value and beauty in life. Modernism allowed the Catalan people to create the artwork they wanted to see and what they felt they needed. In this way, modernism established nationalism amongst the Catalan people. The Casa Batllo exemplifies Catalan nationalism with its modernist style as well as the incorporation of the myth of St. Jordi (see Blog Post 3).

Images in this Exhibit

“Casa Batllo” Room by Antoni Gaudi

This image is a room featured on the inside of Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and the theme of Sant Jordi is also represented here. The room shown in the image is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The walls are all painted white and the room features several arches. The inside of the building is created to resemble an animal's rib cage structure. Specifically, the room is meant to symbolize the rib cage of the dragon mentioned in the myth of Sant Jordi. In this way, the building is representative of the myth that it is so important to Catalan culture. 

Image and Text Source: 

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“Casa Batllo” Roof Top by Antoni Gaudi

Antoni Gaudi uses various artists, artwork, and myths in the artwork he creates. He incorporates and captures the myth of Sant Jordi (mentioned in Blog Post 3) in his Casa Batllo that is symbolic to the Catalans. The roof is designed to look like a dragon's back.  The visual of a dragon's back on the roof symbolizes that when the Catalan people are in need or danger, that Sant Jordi will be there to support them and take care of them. He will rescue them and be their protector. Gaudi also manipulates color, shapes, and light to help build the shape and life of a dragon. The use of…

Exhibit Tags
Catalan Culture
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Private - accessible only to group members
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HUM 220H Mapping the City, Mapping Civilization