Artistic B&B - Bed & Breakfast - Madrid blogs

The best impressionism from Musée d'Orsay in Madrid

Artistic — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:05:47 +0000

78 great masterpieces from impressionist and post-impressionist painters proceeding from the majestic Musée d'Orsay from Paris are going to be on dispay in Madrid for a limited time.

It is going to be an exhibition that tells the story of painting in the early years of Impressionism. Based around Manet, who, after the scandal of his Olympia in 1863 was considered to be the leader of modern painting, it aims to put into context the experimental approaches developed by Bazille, Cézanne, Degas, Monet, Pissaro, Renoir, Sisley, etc. In the late 1860s, these young painters united around Manet to breathe new life into contemporary art. Having suffered a number of rejections by the Salon, in 1874 they decided to present their works independently. Manet, however, continued to seek recognition from the Salon where artists who were accepted (Fantin-Latour, Moreau, Puvis de Chavannes and Regnault) explored less radical but equally innovative solutions.

For art lovers staying at Artistic Bed&Breakfast, the good news is that we are at walking distance from Fundación Mapfre. It only takes around 15 minutes walking by the nice Paseo del Prado.

When: Until the 5th. of May 2013.

Where: Fundación Mapfre. Paseo de Recoletos, 23 (metro: Colón).

Price: 3,50€.

Source: Qué hacer hoy en Madrid

Edward Hopper’s exhibition arrives at Thyssen Museum in Madrid

Artistic — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:40:24 +0000

The exhibition brings together the largest and most ambitious selection of works by the US artist ever to be shown in Europe, with loans from major museums and institutions including the MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, in addition to various private collections and with a particularly generous loan from the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. The latter is sending 14 works from the Bequest of Josephine N. Hopper, the artist’s wife.

Within the context of Europe, Hopper is one of the best known and most highly appreciated American painters. Despite this, however, his works have only been seen here in public exhibitions on a limited number of occasions. With the aim of rectifying this situation and of bringing his work to the attention of a wider public, two major cultural institutions of particular importance for the artist and his work have joined forces. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza houses the most significant collection of Hopper’s works outside the United States, while in the case of the Réunion des musées nationaux, Paris and early 20th-century French painting were key reference points for the start of Hopper’s career.

This exhibition in Madrid includes 73 works and it offers an analysis of the artist’s work structured into two principal sections. The first opens with Hopper’s time in the studio of Robert Henri at the New York School of Art and covers the years of his training, with works from around 1900 to 1924 that start to reveal his particular and distinctive style. Paintings, drawings, prints and watercolours are displayed alongside various works by other artists including Henri, Félix Vallotton, Walter Sickert, Albert Marquet and Edgar Degas in a dialogue that recreates the one that existed between Hopper and these artists at the time.

The second section focuses on Hopper’s mature work and is arranged thematically in order to emphasise the most frequently recurring themes and motifs in his work, while also maintaining a chronological flow.

The exhibition will be on display from June 12th. until September 16th.

For those art lovers staying with us, the good news is that Artistic Bed & Breakfast is only at five minutes walking from Thyssen-Bornemisza museum!

Source: Thyssen Bornemisza Museum

Veranos de la Villa 2012 in Madrid

Artistic — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:38:28 +0000

Madrid is going to be the cultural reference again this summer with the new edition of the festival: Veranos de la Villa. A special occasion that will bring great national and international artists to the city from June the 27th. until September the 2nd.

The festival comes again this year with two important variations. On the first place the inclusion of the Teatro Circo Price as the main musical venue. On that stage of Veranos Price the audience will be able to see around thirty well renowned musical artists. Jethro Tull´s Ian Anderson, Regina Spektor, Earth Wind & Fire or Nneka, among the international artists, and Miguel Poveda and Russian Red, among the nationals, will be some of the musicians that are going to perform on this stage.

But apart from that, this year the festival Veranos de la Villa will recover one of its most emblematic spaces: Conde Duque, which together with Matadero will turn into the main venues for the Fringe festival. The patios of Conde Duque and Matadero Madrid will offer very diverse scenic proposals, in an open and alternative atmosphere. This year the festival Veranos de la Villa wants to give opportunities to new and fresh proposals, some of them more "risky" which include varied fields like music, dance and physical and objects theater or performance.

Apart from that, Sabatini gardens will turn again into one of the main open air stages for the Veranos with an extensive program that will have flamenco as the indisputable focus. Great names from the "cante" and flamenco dance will perform on this stage like: Pitingo, El Cigala, Estrella Morente, Diana Navarro, Mayte Martín or Farruquito, among others.

As you can see, summers in Madrid are full of interesting proposals. And staying with us at Artistic B&B is the best way to enjoy Veranos de la Villa!

Source: esMadrid.com

Late Rafael at Museo del Prado in Madrid

Artistic — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:34:41 +0000

Late Raphael, is one of the most important exhibitions ever to be devoted to the artist and his studio and the first to focus on his final years, during which time Raphael became the most influential painter in Western art. The exhibition includes a total of 74 works, the majority of them never previously exhibited in Spain. It presents a chronological survey of Raphael’s artistic activities from the start of the pontificate of Leo X (1513) to the artist’s death in 1520, as well as analyze the activities of his principal assistants, Giulio Romano and Gianfrancesco Penni, up to 1524.

Late Raphael is the first major survey exhibition on Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio, 1483-1520) to combine paintings and drawings in order to focus on the last seven years of the life of the artist, who died in Rome on his 37th birthday. This was the period in his career when Raphael produced the work that would have the greatest subsequent impact on European art. Nonetheless, his paintings have not been fully understood due to chronological issues, to their disconcerting diversity and because the artist did not work by himself.

The exhibition includes an unprecedented selection of forty-four paintings, twenty eight drawings, an archaeological item and a tapestry, loaned from around forty different institutions. Visitors can see a chronologically structured survey organised into six sections that cover Raphael’s pictorial and aesthetic evolution and also presents a comparison of his final style with a group of works by his two assistants Romano and Penni, the latter produced both during Raphael’s lifetime and immediately after his death. This unprecedented opportunity for comparison allow for an identification of the degree of participation of Raphael and his assistants in these works while also helps to establish the latter’s intellectual and aesthetic contribution to Raphael’s oeuvre.

Among the most outstanding works that have travelled to Spain for the first time are the serene portrait of one of the artist’s friends, Baldassare Castiglione (1519), loaned from the Louvre, and the major altar painting of Saint Cecilia (1515-1516) loaned from the Pinacoteca Nazionale de Bolonia in which the viewer can appreciate the remarkable beauty of the figures and their perfect, harmonious composition, a level of achievement that Raphael attained during his time in Rome.

Also remarkable are the paintings from Raphael’s late period in the Prado’s own collection, including the panel transferred to canvas known as Lo Spasimo di Sicilia (1515-1516), which is on display for the first time since its restoration.

Late Rafael exhibition will be held from June 12th. until September 16th. Artistic Bed&Breakfast is located very close to the Museo del Prado (only 5 minutes walking), so this is a great opportunity to enjoy Rafael masterpieces.

Source: Museo del Prado

Nomada Market, slow life edition

Artistic — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:11:31 +0000

From June the 15th. until June the 17th. the Nomada Market, the most important independent design fair of Madrid, will take place in the attic of Chamartin train station.

After six years and 22 successful editions, Nómada Market has experienced an important growth, not only in the number of participants (more than 150 per edition) but also in the number of visitors (more than 60.000 per year).

The four anual editions of the Nómada Market coincide with the beginning of every season: April, June, October and December. The chosen participants display their season collections before their products are delivered to the stores. The urban design tendences are mostly indie, craft, vintage, handmade. The content includes clothes, accessories, shoes and jewelry, bijouterie, illustrations, design objects, lamps, ceramics, paper and photography.

Apart from the designer stands, Nómada Market has also VIPs spaces, a stage, a chill out zone, a bar and other surprises that vary according to each editions program which includes concerts, performances, theater, parades, conferences, workshops, etc. The cultural program of Nómada Market helps spread the new voices of urban art.

For those art and design lovers staying with us at Artistic Bed & Breakfast, the easiest way to go to Chamartin train station is to take Cercanias regional train at Sol.

Source: Nomada Market

Casa Decor 2012, the greatest interiorism exhibition of Europe in Madrid

Artistic — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:54:02 +0000

Casa Decor is celebrating it's 20th. anniversary and for this special occasion the exhibition will be held in a new and luxurious setting: the old headquarters of the Real Compañía Asturiana de Minas (Pza. de España 8, Plaza de España). It is a small palace dating back from the 19th. century where visitors will be able to participate in different activities like concerts and make-up or design workshops until next 24th. of June.

And, of course, visitors will be able to see the latest interiorism projects which are the leit motiv of Casa Decor, where they will see the trends in decoration and technology for the home, brought to Madrid from some of the most prestigious national and international interior designers.

Opening hours: from 11AM to 9PM. Entrance fee: 12€

For those guests staying with us at Artistic B&B, the good news is that we are at walking distance from Plaza de España!

Music day in Madrid 2012

Artistic — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:18:07 +0000

Once again this year, the Día de la música festival pays tribute to the first of the seven arts. The two-day programme of concerts features the very best on the national and international independent music scene. Leading names, emerging talent and new releases playing live for the first time in the city, all at Matadero Madrid.

Now in its seventh year, this popular music festival brings over 30 Spanish and foreign artists to play in front of Madrid audiences. Seven of them have never performed in Spain before and eleven are playing live in the capital for the first time. With a range of styles varying from krautpop to rockabilly, plus vocalists and bands from all over the planet, the double bill features artists such as British-born James Blake, known all over the contemporary music world after a brilliant debut last year with his namesake album; plus the Swedish duo The Raveonettes, with their unusual electric instrumentals and dark lyrics, one of today's most representative bands on the European independent scene.

Mercury Rev will be giving a completely live performance of tracks from their 1998 album Deserter's Songs, set to be re-released this year in a deluxe edition. Other eagerly awaited acts include Alejandro Escovedo, who will be presenting Big Station accompanied for the first time in Spain by his band The Sensitive Boys, and James Vincent McMorrow, who made his first appearance in 2010 and who has already been filling major British venues. Lee Fields deserves a special mention; this soul legend will be performing his Faithful Man along with The Expressions.

Spanish artists taking to the Matadero stages include the very best of homegrown indie music. They range from well-known acts such as Love of Lesbian, Christina Rosenvinge, La Casa Azul and Sr. Chinarro through to emerging artists like Pegasvs, Jane Joyd and Mendetz.

ON THE BILL

FRIDAY 22: Two Door Cinema Club, James Blake, St. Vincent, The Raveonettes, La Casa Azul, Twin Shadow, Bear In Heaven, Sr. Chinarro, Tindersticks, Lee Fields & The Expressions, JD McPherson, Pegasvs, Zambri, Mendetz and Jane Joyd.

SATURDAY 23: Spoon, Mercury Rev perform “Deserter’s Songs”, Love of Lesbian, Maxïmo Park, Fanfarlo, Metronomy, Christina Rosenvinge, The Ettes, Frankie Rose, Apparat, Alejandro Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys, James Vincent McMorrow, Star Slinger, Breton, Mikal Cronin and Julia Holter

Día de la música is member of the European Festivals Association YOUROPE and is the first Spanish festival to obtain the Industry Green sustainability certificate for event organisation.

Music market

Día de la música also features its customary Music Market, which this year takes a step forward and adopts new formats in its role of showcasing artists and record labels. The Music Market area on the festival website (diadelamusica.com) presents new releases by record labels exclusively for all followers of Día de la música 2012, a selection of which will be playing live at the festival.

From Artistic B&B you can easily reach Matadero de Madrid in around 15 minutes with metro Line 3

Source: EsMadrid

The Arts of Piranesi. CaixaForum Madrid

Artistic — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:19:16 +0000

In his working methods, Giambattista Piranesi (Venice, 1720 ? Rome, 1778) was a precursor of the role played by architects and designers today. Now, for the first time, an exhibition at CaixaForum Madrid highlights Piranesi’s modernity in an approach to his work never before taken: in The Arts of Piranesi. Architect, Engraver, Antiquarian, Vedutista and Designer, the Venetian engraver is presented as a “man of our time”, one engaged in renewing architecture, as the most advanced techniques are used to reveal the richness of his work, his eclecticism and his eccentric creative vein.

The show was conceived by Michele De Lucchi, produced by the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in association with Factum Arte and organised by ”la Caixa” Foundation. It features more than 250 original etchings and focuses on the multi-disciplinary approach, style and extraordinary modernity of the Venetian artist. This it does through a series of contemporary interventions inspired by Piranesi’s work: a 3D video projection of the Carceri d’invenzione and eight original objects conceived by Piranesi and illustrated in his etchings, but never before manufactured. Additionally, The Arts of Piranesi features Gabriele Basilico’s views of Roma and Paestum, in which the photographer pays personal tribute to the great master.

The Arts of Piranesi. Architect, Engraver, Antiquarian, Vedutista and Designer. Dates: 25 April - 9 September 2012. Place: CaixaForum Madrid (Paseo del Prado, 36). Concept: Michele De Lucchi. Produced by: Fondazione Giorgio Cini and Factum Arte. Organised by: ”la Caixa” Foundation. Curators: Giuseppe Pavanello, director of the Istituto di Storia dell’Arte de la Fondazione Giorgio Cini; Michele De Lucchi, director of the aMDL architecture studio (Milan); and Adam Lowe, director of Factum Arte.

All those art lovers staying with us at Artistic Bed & Breakfast can easily reach CaixaForum Madrid in a five minutes walk.

Source: CaixaForum
More information in the PDF press release

SAN ISIDRO 2012 festivities in Madrid

Artistic — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:05:12 +0000

From 11 to 15 May, the city will be filled with music, theatre, circus, dance, festivities and other exciting events, all in honour of San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid.

On Friday 11 May, the parade of giants and big-heads will once again mark the beginning of the San Isidro celebrations, starting at 8pm in the city centre. This passacaglia will be the prelude to the opening speech, which this year takes place in Plaza Mayor at 9pm. It will be followed by a concert of Zarzuela and traditional music in honour of the great composer Francisco Alonso.

Thereafter, a range of activities and events will be held at locations across the city with something for the whole family and to suit all tastes. The circus will come to town with Callejeando, enlivening the streets and squares of Lavapiés with a programme featuring music, acrobats, jugglers and tightrope walkers over several days.

Music and dance

Rising stars, life-long chotis devotees, undiscovered dancing talent and other aficionados of the stage are to gather at Las Vistillas Park on 12 May for the Tú sí que chotis competition. It is being held to reveal the best performer of this most typical of Spanish dances. The contest, which aims to inject new life into the genre and is being judged by a professional panel, will consist of two categories: Musical Interpretation and Dance and Choreography. The winner of each will come away with a fabulous prize of 1000 euros and both runners-up will take home 300 euros. Following the event, popular tunes will be playing in Las Vistillas from 12 to 15 May. Meanwhile music of a different kind can be enjoyed at the live concerts to be performed at venues around the city as part of the Madrid Circuito Independiente season.

Escenario Puerta del Ángel is the venue chosen to host the fourth PlanetaMadrid Festival of Music and Sustainable Development on Saturday 12^th, starting at 5.30pm. As well as staging top-class musical performances, the event aims to raise awareness of energy saving, responsible consumption and care for the environment. Headlining this year's festival is Sarajevo-born composer Goran Bregovic, the man behind the soundtracks to a number of internationally acclaimed films, most notably those directed by Emir Kusturica. A day later on Sunday 13^th, the best in current rock will also take to the Puerta del Ángel stage as part of Universimad, another regular fixture on Madrid's live music calendar.

Other highlights of these festivities include: a visit to the Pradera de San Isidro Park on the 15^th, where the traditional pilgrimage is celebrated; the Feria de la Cacharrería pottery fair from the 11^th to the 15^th in Plaza de las Comendadoras; and the array of productions on at theatres across the capital, not to mention the spectacular light and sound show at El Retiro Park.

Source: EsMadrid

Muses, music and museums at Lazaro Galdiano museum in Madrid

Artistic — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:53:20 +0000

On May 18th. and 26th. Lazaro Galdiano museum in Madrid is going to present a special concert in their Dance Hall.

At midday, 12:45 PM and 1:30 PM. visitors will be able to enjoy the concert under the name: The chant of the vihuelas. This concert is part of a series of concerts called "Listening to paintings".

These concerts pretend to put together investigation and knowledge transfer around antique music and their instruments. Researchers have created replicas of antique musical instruments that have been immortalized in famous paintings.

From Artistic B&B we recommend a visit to Museo Lázaro Galdiano, and specially on this occasion. For all those guests staying with us at Artistic B&B, the best way to get to Fundacion Lazaro Galdiano is to take public bus number 27 and it is a less than ten minutes ride.

Source: El Pais