We are pleased to announce the new members of the physical and virtual jury. The artist Vincent Desiderio joins the jury for Figurativas 2025.
Vincent Desiderio is an American realist painter known for his complex and evocative compositions that explore the human condition. He studied at Haverford College, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy. His work has been exhibited in renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.
In addition to his artistic practice, Desiderio is a senior critic at the New York Academy of Art and has been a visiting professor at various universities worldwide.
To learn more about his career and explore a selection of his paintings, visit his official website: vincent-desiderio.com.
Are you already working on your next masterpiece? Submit your proposal before March 14 at www.fundaciondelasartes.org.
We are pleased to announce the new members of the physical and virtual jury. The artist Stephen Bauman joins the jury for Figurativas 2025.
Stephen Bauman, an American painter known for his masterful command of realism, honed his skills at the prestigious Florence Academy of Art, where he later became a principal instructor. His work, characterized by a delicate balance of precision and expressiveness, explores the subtleties of human emotion through finely rendered portraits and figurative compositions. With an approach rooted in classical techniques yet imbued with a contemporary sensibility, Bauman’s art has been exhibited worldwide, earning him recognition in renowned galleries and institutions. As a sought-after mentor, he continues to share his knowledge through workshops and online courses, inspiring a new generation of realist painters.
Are you already working on your next masterpiece? Submit your proposal before March 14 at www.fundaciondelasartes.org.
Last Thursday, January 30, the MEAM Museum of Barcelona inaugurated the exhibition dedicated to the painter Eloy Morales. The evening was a true homage to contemporary figurative art, where talent, creativity, and passion merged to offer attendees an unforgettable experience, highlighting the importance of MEAM as a venue for cultural encounters that go beyond the purely visual.
Continue reading by clicking on this link: Blog del MEAM
We are pleased to announce the new members of the physical and virtual jury. The artist Amaya Gurpide joins the jury for Figurativas2025.
Amaya Gurpide, a Navarrese painter trained at the School of Fine Arts in Pamplona, refined her technique at prestigious academies in New York. Her style combines graphite, gouache, charcoal, and other media in experimental layers that blend narrative and form. Her work explores the connection between personal storytelling and universal consciousness, creating pieces of remarkable depth. Awarded honors such as the Richard Estes Grant, her art has been exhibited internationally and featured in institutions like Time magazine. She is currently the Co-Artistic Director of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.
Are you already working on your next masterpiece? Submit your proposal before March 14 at www.fundaciondelasartes.org.
Attention artists! Registrations are now open for the new edition of The MEAM Hall. This year, the exhibition will be on display in #Barcelona and #Madrid.
In this edition, as a courtesy to the participants, some artists will have the opportunity to exhibit, in addition to their 20 x 20 cm artwork, a larger piece for free in the Madrid exhibition, increasing their visibility.
More information and participation form at www.fundaciondelasartes.org.
We are pleased to announce the new members of the in-person and virtual jury. The artist Nick Alm joins the Figurativas2025 jury!
A highly renowned Swedish painter, Alm is recognized for his evocative figurative work that masterfully captures human emotion and atmosphere. Combining classical techniques with a contemporary vision, his art has been exhibited in prestigious shows and collections worldwide.
Are you already working on your next masterpiece? Submit your work before March 14 at www.fundaciondelasartes.org.
We are pleased to announce the new members of the jury. The artist Roberto Ferri joins the jury for Figurativas2025! ????????
A renowned Italian painter, Ferri is known for his impressive mastery of contemporary realism, blending Baroque classicism with a personal style inspired by Caravaggio. His work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide.
Are you already preparing your next masterpiece? Submit your work before March 14 at www.fundaciondelasartes.org
The MEAM Museum is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition dedicated to the artist Eloy Morales. From January 30 to June 1, 2025, visitors will have the opportunity to explore an exceptional showcase of the renowned Madrid painter's work.
This exhibition offers a unique journey through the artistic career of Eloy Morales, spanning from his early creations as a professional painter in 1996 to his most recent works. Through this artistic evolution, the public will gain insight not only into the technical and conceptual development of his work but also into the emotional depth and distinctive character that have defined his career.
With portraits and compositions rich in introspection, this exhibition is an invitation to delve into the visual universe of one of the great references in contemporary realist painting. An unmissable event for art lovers and those eager to explore the infinite possibilities of figurative representation.
The Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of two new awards to the competition. Participants can now compete for two artistic scholarships from the Florence Academy of Art and a financial grant awarded by Yu Ming - Chipone. Check the participation requirements at www.fundaciondelasartes.org. Deadline: March 14, 2025.
We invite you to discover the latest additions to our online store. You’ll find a wide variety of new postcards, tote bags, notebooks, and much more, so you can take a piece of the MEAM with you. Additionally, you can explore our exclusive catalogs in our online store.
Visit us at the MEAM or click here to enter our online store.
The MEAM opens its new exhibition ‘Realism Now’ with the intention of being "like a ray of light in the middle of the jungle."
To read the full article, click here.
The international painting and sculpture competition Figuratives 2025 opens its doors to all figurative artists and invites them to participate in this new edition of the renowned event organized by the Foundation of Arts and Artists. Over the years, the competition has become a benchmark for those who, through figuration, seek to express the essence and complexity of the human condition.
Targeted at both established and emerging artists, Figuratives 2025 focuses on technical excellence and innovation in painting, sculpture, and drawing. The selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their works at the MEAM, one of the most prominent spaces for contemporary figurative art, and to receive over €70,000 in prizes that recognize their talent and dedication.
Applications are open until March 14, 2025. Interested participants can consult the competition rules, available on the foundation's website www.fundaciondelasartes.org, where they will find detailed information about the participation requirements and the registration process.
Competition rules: BASES_2025_en.pdf
The European Museum of Modern Art has opened the season today with two exhibitions: a large collective show featuring great international masters of realism and a selection of urban landscapes with some of the best specialists in the world.
Barcelona, September 27, 2024. The best global realist art is gathering this autumn in Barcelona thanks to the exhibition ‘Realism Now. Meam Show 2024’, organized by the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM), based in the Catalan capital. Nearly sixty artists make up the roster of this ambitious proposal, with which the institution begins a new phase under the direction of painter and professor Jordi Díaz Alamà.
Well-known painters from international figuration, such as Americans Shane Wolf and Daniel Graves, Austrian Gottfried Helnwein, Japanese Kouta Sasai, Belarusian Viktoria Savenkova, Mexican Ana Rosenzweig, Greek George Rorris, and Spanish Golucho, are part of an extensive list that also includes sculptors like Polish Grzegorz Gwiazda and fellow Spaniards Eduald de Juana and José Manuel Belmonte.
The European Museum of Modern Art’s ambitious proposal for the autumn season is also complemented by a second temporary exhibition titled ‘Urbes, Contemporary Landscapes’, which has also opened its doors to the public today. This exhibition offers a unique approach to urban landscape painting, featuring works by some of the most renowned and awarded artists in this genre, such as Taiwanese Chien Chung Wei, American Don Eddy, German Ana Schmidt, and Spaniards Pedro del Toro and Kike Meana, among many others.
The MEAM presents "Realism Now", featuring works by prominent international artists, and "Urbes, Contemporary Landscapes", exploring the representation of urbanism and nature in modern environments.
In addition to hosting the commemorative anniversary exhibition of Artelibre Gallery, the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona will also participate in "La Noche de Museos," an annual cultural event in Barcelona. This event, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, promises a cultural extravaganza for all ages across eight municipalities, offering more than 150 activities, most of which are free of charge.
"La Noche de Museos" transforms the city with extended opening hours from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM, allowing visitors to explore exhibitions and engage in a variety of activities such as workshops, concerts, recitals, mappings, and guided tours. This year, the event integrates four new museums into its cultural experience, including Museo Tierra - Sala Barcelona, Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Barcelona - Centro Martorell de Exposiciones, Museo del Arte Prohibido, and Muralla Romana - Centro Ocupacional Sinea / Servicio de Arqueología de Barcelona.
This edition aims to surpass previous post-pandemic attendance records, offering a promising cultural experience that celebrates the richness of Barcelona's museum landscape.
The news can be seen at this link
Jordi Díaz Alamà assumes the direction of the MEAM, committing to maintain it as a benchmark of contemporary figurative art. More info at https://museumeam.wordpress.com/2024/03/22/nuevainfo/
Laberinto Gris eagerly announces the first exhibition of 2024 at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona, featuring the works of renowned artists Romulo Royo and Luis Royo. Titled "The Dream of Fantasy," the exhibition will run from February 1st to March 31st, offering visitors a captivating journey through the most enigmatic corners of imagination.
The grand opening is scheduled for February 1st at 6:30 PM in the main hall of MEAM. The event will commence with remarks from the museum director and the artists themselves, sharing insights into their inspirations and creative processes. Attendees will then explore the museum's second floor, where iconic works such as Romulo Royo's "Beyond" and Luis Royo's "Full Moon" will be showcased.
The exhibition explores the enduring theme of fantasy through travels and dualities in the works of Luis & Rómulo Royo. From paying homage to Francisco de Goya to exploring worlds of dreamed goddesses and exotic cultures in "Goddesses of Nibiru," the Royos transport viewers through timeless journeys that delve into the sensuality of the occult and fantasy. Moreover, elements like feathers, tattoos, and jewelry become timeless talismans that persist throughout their works, exploring dualities between beauty and beast, life and death.
Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to discover the latest works on which the artists have been working, including the ongoing series "Homenaje a Goya." This part of the project will continue evolving throughout 2024, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a new universe created in the Royos' studios.
Despite nearly 300 years separating their births, the Aragonese artists share roots with the genius Francisco de Goya, whose influence is reflected in the arid and extreme terrain of northern Spain. Through different aesthetics and protagonists, the obsession with fantasy persists, linking their works across time.
For more details about this exciting exhibition, you can access the full article by clicking here.
Mark Tennant emerges as a contemporary master who defies dominant trends. Despite his grounding in traditional techniques, the artist manages to surprise us with some of the most intriguing and relevant works of current urban culture. His paintings, composed of broad brushstrokes and bold areas of color, evoke reminiscences of Impressionism and capture the essence of the early 20th-century avant-garde movement. Far from seeking realism, Tennant delves into the transmission of emotions implicit in colors and forms, illuminating captivating portraits of contemporary urban youth. This exhibition invites us to immerse ourselves in the contrast between the classic and the contemporary, challenging the notion that only modern artistic currents can explore the richness of urban culture.
The excitement is in the air as the art event of the year draws near! We are pleased to announce that this week, the gathering of jury members for the 2023 Figurativas International Painting and Sculpture Contest will take place. This prestigious contest, which has become a reference in the world of contemporary art, has attracted talented artists from around the globe and has captured the interest of art lovers.
The jury deliberation meeting will be held in Barcelona at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) throughout the weekend. During these days, the jury members, composed of art experts and prominent artists, will come together to evaluate and discuss the participating artworks and select this year’s winners.
The Figurativas contest, organized by the Foundation of Arts and Artists, aims to promote and disseminate the importance of figurative art in contemporary art. Through this competition, the goal is to recognize and reward the talent of artists who use figurative representation as a central theme in their works.
The contest’s jury plays a crucial role in the selection of the winners. Each jury member brings their unique perspective and experience in the art world, enriching the selection process. During the meeting, they will analyze and debate the submitted artworks, evaluating criteria such as technical quality, originality, artistic expression, and the ability to convey a message through the artwork.
It is important to highlight that the selection process of the Figurativas contest is rigorous and transparent. The jury works independently, without external influences, ensuring impartiality and fairness in the choice of winners. Each decision is made with great care and supported by solid arguments, guaranteeing the quality and recognition of the awarded prizes.
But that’s not all! This year, the Figurativas contest has decided to open its doors to followers and art enthusiasts. To ensure that no one misses out on the exciting moments of the jury meeting, the contest’s Instagram profile has been activated, allowing everyone to follow the updates in real time.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend filled with art and excitement. The gathering of jury members for the 2023 Figurativas contest is about to begin.
Let the deliberation begin, and may art surprise us once again with its beauty and capacity to move us!
The art of representation. Throughout its trajectory, which began in June 2011, the MEAM has become a
reference center for contemporary figurative art, where exhibitions of nationally and internationally
renowned artists are presented. Over the years, the museum has enjoyed constant evolution and
overflowing activity, becoming a dynamic entity capable of generating synergies between the public and
artists, thus offering a space for those who believe in a new expression of contemporary art.
The reception of thousands of visitors along with great media coverage have made the MEAM one of
the most visited museums in Barcelona, consolidating itself as an undisputed attraction of the city.
However, throughout this trajectory, the museum has been able to observe a paradoxical relationship
between the reception of contemporary figurative art regarding visitors and the general unfamiliarity of
this artistic trend regarding the general public.
Contemporary figurative painting refers to the representation of the human being, nature, and
recognizable objects in a style that is modern or current. It is often considered an artistic movement that
has emerged as a reaction against the abstract art that dominated the art scene in the 20th century.
Unlike abstract art, which focuses on form, concept, color, and texture, contemporary figurative
painting focuses on the realistic representation of the human being and their environment. Instead of
hiding reality behind abstraction, contemporary figurative painting seeks to highlight the beauty and
complexity of everyday life and human emotions.
Contemporary figurative painting has also been influenced by photography. Many artists of this
movement use photography as a reference to create works of art that represent reality with
photographic precision. However, unlike photography, contemporary figurative painting often adds
emotional and subjective layers to the representation of reality: portraits that capture the essence of
the subject and their emotional intensity. The works are often based on themes and motifs that are
easily recognizable to the viewer, making them more accessible and understandable. Figurative painting
invites the viewer to identify with the characters or scenes depicted, increasing the emotional impact of
the work on the viewer.
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INFORMA SOBRE ESTE ANUNCIOPRIVACIDAD
Currently, contemporary figurative painting continues to evolve. Artists continue to experiment with
new media and techniques to represent the human figure realistically and expressively. In addition, the
growing influence of popular culture and social media favors the creation of works that reflect
contemporary life more authentically.
In this vein, with this exhibition, the MEAM aims to highlight the strong presence that contemporary
figurative art has in our days, with endless possibilities of representing reality and with a message based
on the manifestation of the reality of our time. Works that, for the most part, do not seek formal
mimesis, but proximity to social reality, following in the field of plastic arts an ideological path that
renews the modern spirit. For this reason, this exhibition includes paintings with realistic, hyperrealistic,
and expressionistic brushstrokes. The works are characterized by a meticulous and realistic technique, in
which each brushstroke is clearly visible.
This exhibition will allow us to observe, for the first time as a whole, a broad selection of works that
include pieces by preeminent artists of this figurative trend, ranging from the Spanish realist school of
the 70s-80s, American hyperrealism, new European realism, sometimes called new pictorial figuration,
to the creations of younger and emerging artists.
The goal is to present a general overview of the current trend through the great masters of figurative art
and the most prominent artists of the same. Artists who lead the current path, not only for being the
pioneers of this artistic movement at the international level but also for having their roots in the
pictorial tradition in search of a new art language of our time.
Mimesis is a cry for reality in a digitized world where the viewer will be immersed in the universe
represented in the works, where the works act as a mirror of our society and as a means to explore the emotions and mysteries of our existence. We will see works with new spatial structure, compositional disorder, exaggerated and deforming expressiveness, representations of the isolated human figure,
transformations of traditional supports, and syntactic innovations in the formation of spaces and
narratives. In short, artists who have given way to what we now call: The New Figuration of the 21st
century.
Welcome to MEAM - European Museum of Modern Art!
We are a space dedicated to promoting and disseminating the creativity and talent of contemporary artists, both established and emerging. Located in the heart of Barcelona, our museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers from around the world.
In our profile, you will find a wide variety of inspiring content, ranging from breathtaking artworks to exciting cultural events and activities. Join our community and immerse yourself in the richness of contemporary artistic expression.
Explore our permanent and temporary exhibitions, where you can admire a diverse range of styles, techniques, and concepts. Each artwork we display has been carefully selected to captivate and challenge our visitors, offering new perspectives and unforgettable experiences.
Moreover, we are passionate about fostering dialogue and interaction among artists, curators, and art enthusiasts. Through our special events, workshops, and talks, we provide a meeting space where ideas are exchanged and connections are forged.
Would you like to participate more actively? Share your museum experiences using the hashtag #MEAMexperience and become part of our virtual community. We would love to hear your opinions and see how our artworks have impacted you.
Come and discover the power of contemporary art at MEAM - European Museum of Modern Art! Follow us to stay updated on our latest exhibitions, events, and special surprises. Together, we will create a space where art and imagination merge to inspire and transform.
Throughout its trajectory, which began in June 2011, the MEAM has become a reference center for contemporary figurative art, where exhibitions of nationally and internationally renowned artists are presented. Over the years, the museum has enjoyed constant evolution and overflowing activity, becoming a dynamic entity capable of generating synergies between the public and the artists, thus offering a space for those who believe in a new expression of contemporary art.
The reception of thousands of visitors along with great media coverage has made the MEAM one of the most visited museums in Barcelona, consolidating itself as an undisputed attraction of the city. However, throughout this trajectory, the museum has witnessed a paradoxical relationship between the reception of contemporary figurative art by visitors and the general unawareness of this artistic trend among the general public.
Contemporary figurative painting refers to the representation of the human being, nature, and recognizable objects in a style that is modern or current. It is often considered an artistic movement that has emerged as a reaction against the abstract art that dominated the art scene in the 20th century. Unlike abstract art, which focuses on form, concept, color, and texture, contemporary figurative painting focuses on the realistic representation of the human being and their environment. Instead of hiding reality behind abstraction, contemporary figurative painting seeks to highlight the beauty and complexity of everyday life and human emotions.
Contemporary figurative painting has also been influenced by photography. Many artists in this movement use photography as a reference to create artworks that represent reality with photographic precision. However, unlike photography, contemporary figurative painting often adds emotional and subjective layers to the representation of reality: portraits that capture the essence of the subject and their emotional intensity. The works often rely on themes and motifs that are easily recognizable to the viewer, making them more accessible and understandable. Figurative painting invites the viewer to identify with the depicted characters or scenes, increasing the emotional impact of the artwork on the viewer.
Currently, contemporary figurative painting continues to evolve. Artists continue to experiment with new media and techniques to represent the human figure in a realistic and expressive manner. Furthermore, the growing influence of popular culture and social media favors the creation of artworks that reflect contemporary life in a more authentic way.
In line with this, and with this exhibition, the MEAM aims to highlight the strong presence that contemporary figurative art has in our days, with endless possibilities to represent reality and with a message based on the manifestation of the reality of our time. These artworks, for the most part, do not aim for formal mimesis but rather proximity to social reality, following an ideological path that renews the modern spirit within the field of visual arts. For this reason, this exhibition integrates paintings with realistic, hyperrealistic, and expressionistic brushstrokes. The artworks are characterized by a meticulous and realistic technique, where each brushstroke is clearly visible.
Announcement
INFORM ABOUT THISADVERTISEMENTPRIVACY This exhibition will allow for the first time a comprehensive view of a broad selection of artworks, including works by prominent artists of this figurative trend, ranging from the Spanish realist school of the 70s-80s, American hyperrealism, the new European realists, sometimes referred to as the new pictorial figuration, to the creations of younger and emerging artists.
The objective is to present a general overview of the current trend through the great masters of figurative art and the most outstanding artists in the field. These artists lead the current path, not only as pioneers of this artistic movement internationally but also by having their roots in the pictorial tradition in search of a new language of art for our time.
"Mimesis" is a cry for reality in a digitized world where the viewer will be immersed in the universe represented in the artworks, where the artworks act as mirrors of our society and as a means to explore the emotions and mysteries of our existence.
We will see artworks with new spatial structure, compositional disorder, exaggerated and distorting expressiveness, representations of the isolated human figure, transformations of traditional supports, and syntactic innovations in the shaping of spaces and narratives. In short, artists who have paved the way for what we now call: The New Figuration of the 21st century.
Bertrand Desmaricaux (°1963) is an artist based in Belgium. He studied figure and portrait painting (and drawing) in the Art Students League of New York, Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia, the New York Academy of Art, the Art League of Virginia, Scottsdale Artists’ School, Paris Academy of Art, Art Digger Lab in Madrid and Flemish Classical Atelier in Bruges.
He regularly teaches portrait painting workshops, mainly in the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris.
He usually paints from life, and he is best known for his loose and lively use of color and his warm connection to his subjects. His technique consists of first applying the large areas of color with thinned paint, and then gradually working out the smaller areas with thicker paint. His first emphasis is on placing the right colors next to each other, and only then gradually working out the drawing.
His work has been selected and exhibited in New York (Art Students League, Salmagundi Club), Paris (Salon des Beaux Arts), Scottsdale, Venice, Barcelona (MEAM) and Amsterdam
We are pleased to announce the addition of a new member to the jury panel of the prestigious international painting and sculpture competition Figurativas 2023, organized biennially by the Foundation of Arts and Artists of Barcelona. We are delighted to welcome the renowned Chilean painter Guillermo Lorca García-Huidobro.
Guillermo Lorca García-Huidobro is a talented artist born in Santiago de Chile, whose passion for art has developed into a solid and remarkable artistic career. From an early age, he showed an innate interest in painting, which led him to fully dedicate himself to his artistic development.
Lorca's work is characterized by his mastery of realism and his ability to capture the human essence through his portraits and figurative compositions. His style is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, precision in drawing, and a rich and expressive color palette. Each of his creations is a profound exploration of the human condition, conveying emotions and complex narratives with unmatched mastery.
Throughout his career, Guillermo Lorca has received numerous awards and recognitions in important art competitions at national and international levels. His work has been exhibited in prominent galleries and museums around the world, captivating audiences with his ability to capture life in every brushstroke.
The addition of Guillermo Lorca García-Huidobro to the jury panel of the Figurativas 2023 competition is a great honor for all of us. His experience, artistic vision, and knowledge in the field of painting and sculpture will further enrich the evaluation of the works presented in this prestigious competition.
Excitement is in the air as the highly anticipated art event of the year approaches! We are pleased to announce that this week will mark the gathering of the jury members for the Figurativas 2023 international painting and sculpture competition. This prestigious competition, which has become a reference in the world of contemporary art, has attracted talented artists from around the globe and piqued the interest of art enthusiasts.
The jury deliberation meeting will take place in Barcelona at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) throughout the weekend. During these days, the jury members, composed of art experts and prominent artists, will come together to evaluate and discuss the participating artworks and select this year's winners.
The Figurativas competition, organized by the Foundation of Arts and Artists, aims to promote and disseminate the importance of figuration in contemporary art. Through this competition, the goal is to recognize and reward the talent of artists who utilize figurative representation as a central theme in their works.
The jury of the competition plays a crucial role in the selection of the winners. Each jury member brings their unique perspective and experience in the art world, enriching the selection process. During the meeting, they will analyze and debate the presented artworks, evaluating criteria such as technical quality, originality, artistic expression, and the ability to convey a message through the artwork.
It is important to highlight that the selection process for the Figurativas competition is rigorous and transparent. The jury works independently, without external influences, ensuring impartiality and fairness in the selection of the winners. Each decision is made with great care and is supported by solid arguments, guaranteeing the quality and recognition of the awarded prizes.
But that's not all! This year, the Figurativas competition has decided to open its doors to followers and art lovers. To ensure that nobody misses the exciting moments of the jury meeting, the competition's Instagram profile has been activated, where everyone can follow the updates in real-time.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend full of art and excitement. The gathering of the Figurativas 2023 competition's jury members is about to begin.
Let the deliberation commence and may art once again surprise us with its beauty and its capacity to move us!
