Madrid Gallery Weekend Opens Amid Pandemic with Cautious Optimism
In September 2020, the 11th Apertura Madrid Gallery Weekend took place despite a surge in COVID-19 cases. The event, organized by Arte Madrid with backing from the Madrid City Council and AC/E, showcased galleries located in Chueca, Serrano, Barrio de las Letras, and Embajadores while adhering to health guidelines. Social gatherings were omitted, and attendance from international artists was limited. Manuel Fernández-Braso highlighted the event's significance for the sector's revitalization, while Damián Casado remarked on the presence of cultural leaders. Virtual tours were offered through Arte Madrid, Artsy, and Artland. Featured exhibitions included "Hospital de Cartón" by Primoz Bizjak and Carlos Bunga, and works by Diana Larrea, Raha Raissnia, Cristina Lucas, Isaac Julien, and Eugenio Ampudia at Galería Max Estrella.
Key facts
- 11th edition of Apertura Madrid Gallery Weekend held in September 2020.
- Organized by Arte Madrid, an association of 48 galleries.
- Supported by Madrid City Council, Autonomous Community, and AC/E.
- Galleries opened simultaneously in Chueca, Serrano, Barrio de las Letras, and Embajadores.
- Social events and expert meetings canceled; few foreign artists attended.
- Manuel Fernández-Braso emphasized the event's importance for restarting the contemporary art sector.
- Damián Casado reported visits from the Minister of Culture and museum directors.
- Virtual visits available via Arte Madrid website, Artsy, and Artland.
- Notable exhibitions included works by Primoz Bizjak, Carlos Bunga, Eugenio Ampudia, Diana Larrea, Raha Raissnia, Cristina Lucas, Isaac Julien, Nico Munuera, Pere Llobera, Pedro Cabrita Reis, and Sallustiano.
Entities
Artists
- Primoz Bizjak
- Carlos Bunga
- Eugenio Ampudia
- Diana Larrea
- Raha Raissnia
- Cristina Lucas
- Isaac Julien
- Lina Bo Bardi
- Nico Munuera
- Pere Llobera
- Pedro Cabrita Reis
- Sallustiano
- José Vera Matos
Institutions
- Arte Madrid
- AC/E
- Galería Elba Benítez
- Galería Max Estrella
- Galería Espacio Mínimo
- CA2M (Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo)
- Galería Marta Cervera
- MoMA
- Galería Albarrán-Bourdais
- Galería Helga de Alvear
- Galería Moisés Pérez de Albéniz
- F2 Gallery
- Galería Juana de Aizpuru
- Galería Lucía Mendoza
- Artsy
- Artland
- Teatro Liceu
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Chueca
- Serrano
- Barrio de las Letras
- Embajadores
- Val Fosca
- Pyrenees
- Catalonia
- Barcelona
- Móstoles
- North Pole