One last hurrah through this energetic city today. I got out early (and by myself) and nearly opened up the Fundacio Joan Miro on Montjuic. It's a museum honoring the native Barcelonan Joan Miro. He was involved in its design and donated many works to the museum. It also houses art by several of his friends and contemporaries. A portion of the museum is devoted to showcasing young modern artists. It was all a treat, of course replete with surprises.
The coolest and most dangerous piece I saw today was by Miro's friend and colleague, the American Alexander Calder, a sculptor whose art is all over the States. Above is a sculpture he created for a big Spanish exposition in the early 20th century, a fountain. As I was watching it, something just didn't seem quite right about the water that was flowing with a strange color and patterns of flow. Only then did it dawn on me that the "Mercury Fountain" really has flowing mercury! How toxic and awesome. This is why it's in a completely enclosed room. I had no clue anything like this existed. Apologies for the non-detailed photo but this was a stealthy shot from my phone, as photos are forbidden in the museum. I couldn't help myself.
One of Miro's more unique sculptures, maybe?
"The diamond smiles at twilight", a painting from the late 1940s, during his "wild" phase, which was apparently influenced heavily by the second world war. "For me to gain freedom is to gain simplicity" was attributed to him in the later part of his career. Good words to live by, in my opinion. Maybe this will inspire us to clean out the basement at home.
Erica and the kids met me for lunch at the cafe in the museum and strolled through the adjacent sculpture garden. Our 14th anniversary is today, by the way, and it's been a great one.
We took the crew for one last visit to the beach at Barceloneta, where three hours flew right by. The kids want to move here, but because of the beach and Tibidabo, the amusement park on the hill. Maybe we will all be convinced? We're feeling inspired now and imaging a life in Europe for a while. Who knows? Barcelona is indeed a beautiful city filled with sunlight, art and energy. Here is a sculpture garden on the way to the Metro from the beach. A fine view for our last picture from Spain. I'm feeling nostalgic as we're readying to head out to the airport in the morning. The 10 hour flight from Barcelona to Atlanta should be an adventure in and of itself. We are crossing our fingers.
-N
Well, we would all miss you quite a bit if you lived in Europe, but that would be a fantastic adventure. It would make your kids "world citizens." I had that same desire when visiting France and Eastern Europe. But, then we wouldn't see Henry mooning or the other kids goofing off. Congrats on 14 happy and very eventful years together. Thanks again for all the smiles your blog posts brought out. Bon voyage!
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