Marbella
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Marbella - It's a Work of Art Marbella may be known primarily as a holiday resort, a sun, sea and sand destination for northern Europeans flocking to enjoy a taste of the privileged Mediterranean lifestyle, but beneath the hedonistic exterior beats an artistic heart, which takes you closer to the town's Andalusian soul, says Louise Cook Edwards. Marbella has grown and expanded from its humble origins as typical Andalusian fishing village, thanks to its aristocratic connections. In the '50s Prince Alfonso Von Hohenlohe fell in love with Marbella and opened his home as the now legendary Marbella Club Hotel – making the town a fashionable meeting point for the world's jet-set, royalty and glitterati. Arab sheiks, mingled with models, actresses and business tycoons and their magnificent villas and super yachts were the scene of lavish parties, making Marbella internationally renowned as a luxurious holiday destination. Today, evocative black and white photographs of this golden age can be seen at the Marbella Club Hotel adorning the walls of the MC Cafe. Among the celebrities featured with Prince Alfonso are Bridget Bardot, Adnan Kashoggi and Sean Connery, whose wife Micheline is an artist, famous in her own right. And with such extravagant homes and lifestyles, it is natural that some of Marbella's residents are serious art collectors – among them Juan Abelló, Proprietor of Vodafone, Mr Meulensten, owner and founder of the Danubiana Meulensten Art Museum, Bratislava Slovak, and not forgetting Baroness Tita Thyssen, owner of one of the most priceless collections of art worldwide, some of which is housed at the Thyssen Bornemizsa Museum in Madrid - and at the newly opened sister museum in Malaga. Experiencing two major property booms in the 70s and 90s, Marbella is now home to a floating international population of an estimated 250,000 foreigners, who have flocked to the resort to enjoy a slice of the privileged lifestyle on offer to all – millionaire or not; palm-fringed paseos, jazmin-scented patios, and a relaxed rhythm, with properties and leisure options to suit all pockets. With dozens of golf courses, restaurants, beach clubs, bars and nightclubs, Marbella is a mecca for leisure, and the international community bring a unique flavour to the town's cultural initiatives, including exhibitions, concerts, festivals and galas. A Magnet for Artists The town's privileged southern location and delicious light, are universally appealing – affording long-leisurely days – and balmy summer nights – but it is the sun and shade, sol y sombra which have made Marbella a magnet for artists from far and wide. Drawn to the colour and drama of the Andalusian culture, the beating heart of flamenco, the movement of la corrida, or bullfight, and the brilliant hues of the natural landscape, and the power of popular culture and fiestas, Andalusia provides an alluring backdrop in which to paint, draw, take photographs and create. Among some of the more celebrated artists who have chosen to make Marbella their base are Pepe Morales, Renato Casaro, Félix Muyo, Paula Vincenti and the son of the celebrated Prince Alfonso himself, contemporary photographer, Hubertus Hohenlohe.
Major Art in the Capital of Malaga Marbella belongs to the province of Malaga, a city that is increasingly high profile in terms of art. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, art fans can visit the house he was born in, the Casa Natal de Picasso Museum in the Plaza de la Merced or peruse the city's very own Museo Picasso Malaga - which features several hundred works by the prolific artistic genius – on loan from Picasso's heirs - as well as visiting exhibitions of works by artists relevant to Picasso's life and work – gleaned from around the world. Malaga is also home to the CAC Malaga (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo) that showcases the crème de la crème of international contemporary art. Among recent exhibitions have been controversial conceptual artist Tracy Emin and celebrated American photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe, non-confirmist painter, Eric Fischl, and Gilbert & George with their Jack Freak Pictures. A New Star Attraction Major news for the art world in Málaga last year was the inauguration of the sister museum to Madrid's Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Baroness, Carmen Cervera opened the Museo Carmen Thyssen Bornemisza last summer to great acclaim. The museum houses several hundred works by great masters including Sorolla and Zurbarán. |
Appreciating Art in Marbella Marbella has a selection of art museums and galleries, and over the years, the town has played host to a superb array of art exhibitions, in public and private galleries. The works of world-renowned artists have been shown in Marbella, among them: Renoir, Chagall, Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Goya, David Lachapelle Robert Mapplethorpe, Chema Cobo, Curro González, Zan Huang, Jean- Michel Basquiat and Robert Silvers. The very location of the Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella in the Avda del Mar, is on the site of a series of sculptures by the king of surrealism, Salvador Dalí, bought during the 10 years that extravagant Mayor, Jesus Gil y Gil governed Marbella. At the time, the town acquired several other sculptures including La Victoria, a 25 metre high bronze sculpture of a man by celebrated Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli. The eye-catching work located at the entrance to Puerto Banús was a gift to Marbella from the Mayor of Moscow. In 2007, the artist won the UNESCO Picasso Gold Medal. Just a few streets away from the Alamada where the FIAM takes place, is the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, which houses rare and privileged etchings by major artists including Picasso, Miró and Tàpies. The museum is housed in the former Bazán hospital, a white-washed building in the heart of Marbella's historic centre and the contents traces the history and development of the art of engraving from the 15th century to the present day. The permanent collection includes a wide variety of media, from etchings and aquatints to copperplates and woodcuts, illustrating the versatility and variety of engraving art. The permanent exhibition has works by famous artists, such as Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Tapiés, Saura, Goya, Miquel Barceló, Urculo, Millares and Miró, amongst others. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, presenting the work of contemporary local and national artists. The Museo Cortijo Miraflores was built on the foundation of the Convento de Nuestro Padre Señor San Francisco, dating back to the 18th century. The gardens feature rare plants and trees from the Philippines. Recently restored to become a library, and show room for exhibitions, the Cortijo Miraflores has shown works form the Baroness Thyssen's private art collection, and drawings and designs by internationally celebrated, Marbella-born fashion designer David Delfin. Among the private galleries, the Red Penguin Art Gallery is an exciting new addition to the cultural landscape in Marbella. The first commercial gallery within El Corte Inglés department store in Andalucia. The gallery will serve as a platform for talent, creative ideas and diverse cultural interests including not only art itself but also: Vintage Objects and Collectables, Art & Design Books & Magazines, Art Consultancy, Art to rent for companies, Decorative artistic painting, Education, workshops, lectures & events. Working closely with international galleries, the Red Penguin is leading the way for emerging and existing international talent to be showcased in Marbella. The Houses of Art Marbella, is a modern gallery located at the Marbella Club Hotel on the Golden Mile. Exhibiting the works of outstanding works by contemporary international artists including modern Dutch master, Gerti Bierenbroodspot, and Nicholas de Lacey-Brown, winner of the Young Artist's competition at the 1st FIAM in 2009, and former contestant on Sir Alan Sugar's TV show, The Apprentice.
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