By invitation: an exhibition of modern and contemporary art

The 5th edition of by invitation is here, which this year will host a wide selection of works by established and emerging artists, strengthening the dialogue between modern and contemporary art . The fair will be held from November 7 to 10 at the Círculo Ecuestre de Barcelona, a private club with more than 160 years of history.

This year, the format of the event has been thoroughly revised, opting for a redesigned exhibition concept and a new approach to the staging of each piece in the emblematic palace on Carrer Balmes. The distribution and presentation of the projects have been developed with the active collaboration of each gallery, placing special emphasis on the architecture of the space to enhance the relationship between the works and the place where they are exhibited. This year's lineup includes guest galleries and curated projects covering both the primary and secondary markets.

The trajectory of by invitation, since its first edition in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, has consolidated the event as a fundamental appointment on the artistic circuit of Barcelona. The combination of works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Miró or Dalí with the work of emerging artists and the commitment to current trends, including digital practices, have turned this event into a point of reference for col readers and art lovers.

As for this year's participating galleries, among Barcelona's outstanding ones we find names such as Art Petritxol, Marc Calzada, Dolors Junyent, David Cervelló, Teixidó Galeria d'Art, Fernando Pinós + Gothsland, Senda, Ana Mas Projects (also present in Puerto Rico), Il·lacions, Piramidón Contemporary Art Center, Marc Domènech, Fuga, Jorge Alcolea (which also has a headquarters in Madrid), Taché, Pigment, Sorondo and Ola . Madrid is represented by the galleries Fernando Pradilla, Arma, Guillermo de Osma and Gärna , while Llamazares participates from Gijón and Shiras from Valencia.

'Ésser Estiu', Joan Ponç (1997)

The by invitation 2024 program includes a wide range of parallel activities that seek to enrich the dialogue and encourage critical thinking around contemporary art. We particularly highlight the presence of Bonart, with the participation of Ricard Planas, editor of the magazine, in a coffee with Alejandra Silvestre, director of the Hortensia Herrero Foundation. This meeting, scheduled for Thursday, November 7, will explore the impact of this foundation on the Spanish artistic scene and its role in the cultural scene.

The program also includes conferences with prominent figures such as Sara Puig , president of the Joan Miró Foundation, and Marko Daniel , the director, together with the writer and journalist Sergio Vila-Sanjuán , who will provide a rich and diverse perspective on the 'current artistic scene. There will also be a relevant discussion between Tatxo Benet , businessman and collector, and Llucià Homs , art advisor and market analyst, in which they will reflect on the evolution of the Museum of Forbidden Art and the process of transform a private collection into a museum.

To this offer is added the participation of the architect Benedetta Tagliabue and Xavi Franquesa , director of Ill·lacions, who will explore the role of collectible design in contemporary art, highlighting how the combination of art and design transforms the experience exhibition and current collecting.

To complete this program, activities will be carried out by each gallery, meetings with artists, cocktail tastings and live pictorial interventions.

As a novelty this year, by invitation renews its Art Patronage Program , an initiative that seeks to promote the culture of collecting and the commitment to patronage in modern and contemporary art. This program values the importance of patrons in cultural development, highlighting the fundamental role they play in guaranteeing the continuity and growth of the artistic scene.

'He gave me a banana flower', Natalia Romanciuc (2022)