Madrid and Barcelona Gallery Weekends Kick Off Autumn Season with Strong Local Focus

For the first time, Madrid and Barcelona simultaneously launched their Opening Gallery Weekends, sparking debate. Madrid's 14th Apertura, curated by Arte Madrid, showcased 56 galleries across neighborhoods such as Lavapiés and Salamanca, with events held in alternative venues. The Carabanchel area is becoming a notable artistic center. Nerea Fernández, president of Arte Madrid, and vice-president Lucía Mendoza highlighted the galleries' commitment to future vision and social accountability. A new digital platform, exhibify.com, facilitates online viewing and sales. This autumn's exhibitions feature solo presentations by Spanish artists like Darío Villalba and Chema Madoz, alongside international figures such as Fernanda Fragateiro and Nancy Spero. Barcelona's 9th Gallery Weekend included 27 galleries, presenting around 70 artists, including Joan Fontcuberta and Ignasi Aballí.