The engravings of Tàpies in the Alfolí de la Sal

The Museu de l'Escala Alfolí de la Sal becomes the scene of an essential exhibition for lovers of contemporary art: 'Bon à tirer', a selection of engravings by Antoni Tàpies that belong to the collection of the Vila Casas Foundation. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to get closer to the creative universe of one of the most relevant artists of the 20th century, not only in painting, but also in his graphic work, which is often less known.

The engravings on display were made between 1989 and 1993 in the workshop of Joan Roma, one of Barcelona's most renowned embossers. This period of his career represents a moment of full artistic maturity, where Tàpies had consolidated his visual and symbolic language. The engravings, which are part of a collection acquired in 2017 by the Vila Casas Foundation, are particularly significant for their distinction of bon à tirer (BAT), a French term that means "valid for stamping" and which designates the piece model used for the production of the rest of the edition. This distinction brings a special value to the works, as it brings us closer to the purest and definitive version that the artist considered optimal.

The exhibition, which can be visited until December 1 and curated by Natàlia Chocarro, explores the more technical and spiritual side of Tàpies' work. Through this selection of thirty engravings, the artist's interest in the materiality of his compositions is evident, an aspect that he masterfully combined with his deep sensitivity and spirituality. His work is nourished by a particular aesthetic that fuses the everyday world with a more metaphysical and transcendent dimension, marked by his influence of Zen Buddhism. This dialogue between the earthly and the sacred permeates his work, and this is particularly evident in his engravings, where elements such as figures, crosses, graffiti and household objects become universal symbols of the human condition.

'Petjades i creus', Antoni Tàpies

The prints in this show are not only a reflection of his interest in the technical possibilities of printmaking, but also reveal his thematic obsessions, deeply rooted in a constant reflection on pain, death and the existential condition of being. human

Chocarro emphasizes that the collaboration with Joan Roma was fundamental for the evolution of Tàpies in the world of engraving, a field that the artist knew how to explore with the same dedication as in other artistic disciplines. This professional relationship allowed Tàpies to expand the expressive possibilities of engraving, experimenting with textures, materials and techniques that give his works a unique character.

The centenary of Antoni Tàpies' birth is a special occasion to review and celebrate his artistic career. With the exhibition 'Bon à tirer', the Vila Casas Foundation pays tribute to an artist who brought Catalan art to the international scene, highlighting his ability to innovate without abandoning the roots of a pictorial tradition. This exhibition is not only an opportunity to enjoy his work, but also to better understand his creative process, his thinking and the legacy he has left.

'T i vernís', Antoni Tàpies