Manifesting Art: Nomadic Biennale Conquers Barcelona 

Manifesta15, the European Nomadic Biennial, opened to the public on September 8th and will run until November 19th, 2024. Unlike other well-known art biennials, Manifesta changes its location every edition, for example, in 2014 its 10th edition was hosted in Saint Petersburg.  

Although it is not the first time Manifesta is held in Spain (it took place in San Sebastián in 2004 and in Murcia in 2010), this edition marks a significant moment in the biennale’s history, as it’s larger and more expansive than ever before, exploring the whole Barcelona metropolitan area. The bid to host Manifesta15 was championed by the Barcelona City Council and supported by neighboring cities including Badalona, Sabadell, and Sant Cugat del Vallès, making this a truly regional effort. Venues range from industrial sites like Can Trinxet and Roca Umbert Fàbrica to cultural hubs like the Natural Science Museum and La Calderería. Each location brings its own character and historical weight, providing a rich tapestry of spaces that reflect the diversity of the region.

This year’s exhibition focuses on three major themes: Balancing Conflicts, Cure and Care, and Imagining Futures, reflecting the complexities of modern life and the role of art in the shaping of theseofthese discussions.

The Monastery of Sant Cugat:
A Meeting of Cultures

Dana Awartani. Let me Mend Your Broken Bones. 2024 © Photo: Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana / Helena Roig

One of the most atmospheric venues of Manifesta15 is the Monastery of Sant Cugat, a Romanesque marvel situated outside Barcelona. This ancient space provides a perfect setting for contemplative works, such as Bea Bonafini’s installation, housed in the cloister of the monastery. Through soft textile sculptures, Bonafini creates a dialogue between the ancient stone architecture and contemporary ideas of sanctuary and rest, inviting visitors to interact with the tactile elements while reflecting on the contrast between old and new.

Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien, another artist featured at the monastery, presents an intriguing mix of cultural and religious symbols in her work. Drawing on her French-Ivorian roots and the Creole culture of Guadeloupe, Manlanbien uses materials like weaving wool, ceramics, and sculpture to explore femininity, fertility, and the connections between tradition and modernity. Her work creates a beautiful balance between natural and industrial materials, engaging viewers in a dialogue about spirituality and human connections. The Monastery’s tranquil setting amplifies the themes of care and balance found in her art, providing a serene environment for reflection.

Visitors who have already attended the Venice Biennale this year, will definitely find familiar work by Dana Awartani Let Me Mend Your Broken Bones. She uses intricate hand-stitched tapestries inspired by Islamic geometric patterns to explore the themes of healing and recovery. The quiet, spiritual atmosphere of the monastery heightens the emotional depth of her work, creating an introspective space for visitors.

The Three Chimneys:
Activism and Ecological Reflection

Claire Fontaine. When women strike the world stops. 2020 © Photo: Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana / Ivan Erofeev

In stark contrast, the Three Chimneys in Sant Adrià de Besòs offers a more urban, industrial setting. Built in the 1970s as a thermal power station on the left bank of the Besòs River, the chimneys were decommissioned in 2011 but remain a striking symbol of Barcelona’s recent industrial past. Standing tall against the coastal skyline, the Three Chimneys have become a monument to the laborers who built them, a testament to the city’s working-class heritage. Known for its historical ties to labor movements, this site is home to some of the most politically charged works in Manifesta15. Clair Fontaine’s (again “hello” to the Venice Biennale) When Women Strike the World Stops, an LED installation spelling out the powerful message, makes an undeniable impact in this industrial context. This installation reflects on global feminist struggles and labor rights, making the Three Chimneys a fitting backdrop for her exploration of activism.

Another highlight at this site is the work of the Institute for Postnatural Studies (IPS), which offers a unique approach to ecology and coexistence. As a center for artistic experimentation, the IPS explores the postnatural world through a variety of lenses, addressing the ecological crisis and our complex relationship with nature. At the Three Chimneys, the institute has developed projects that blend art and environmentalism, asking the visitors to consider their role in shaping the future of the planet. With their installations that push the boundaries of contemporary ecologies and human-territory relationships, the IPS adds a dynamic layer to the discourse on how art can engage with pressing environmental issues.

Some other interesting venues include Casa Gomis, an architectural gem that now hosts contemporary installations, and La CIBA, a former textile factory repurposed for public engagement and feminist activism. At Cal Quitèria, visitors can peer into  community-driven projects that focus on care and nurturing, while the M|A|C Prison explores themes of control, freedom, and social justice through a series of immersive works.

Manifesta15 is not just a traditional art biennale but an experience that engages the public in discussions around conflict, care, and the future. This new edition offers a bold vision of how art can influence, shape, and inspire. This year’s edition doesn’t just present art; it brings it to life across a whole metropolitan region, creating a dialogue that is as expansive and multifaceted as the cities hosting it.

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