A vontade de conhecer o Guggenheim Bilbao foi uma das principais razões que me motivou a visitar a cidade. Há muito que admirava a beleza arquitectónica deste icónico museu, desenhado por Frank Gehry, e tinha curiosidade em descobri-lo ao vivo.
Inaugurado em 1997 é, por si só, uma verdadeira obra de arte. As suas formas curvas e orgânicas, revestidas a titânio, conjugam-se com a pedra e o vidro, criando um edifício que muda com a luz e com o ponto de vista de quem o observa. Junto à ria de Bilbao, a sua presença é tão impressionante quanto imaginava.
My desire to visit the Guggenheim Bilbao was one of the reasons that drew me to the city. For a long time, I had admired the architectural beauty of this iconic museum, designed by Frank Gehry, and was eager to experience it in person.
Opened in 1997, it is a true work of art in its own right. Its flowing, organic curves, clad in titanium, blend seamlessly with stone and glass, creating a building that changes with the light and the perspective of the viewer. Standing alongside the Bilbao estuary, its presence is every bit as impressive as I had imagined.
Puppy - Jeff Koons
A experiência começa ainda no exterior, onde o florido Puppy, de Jeff Koons, nos recebe, e prolonga-se pelas salas e espaços do museu.
The experience begins before stepping inside, where Jeff Koons’ flower-covered Puppy welcomes visitors, and extends through the museum’s galleries and exhibition spaces.
A decoração vegetativa vai mudando consoante a estação do ano.
The floral arrangement changes with the seasons, giving Puppy a different appearance throughout the year.
The Matter of Time - Richard Serra
Entre as obras da colecção permanente que mais me marcaram, encontra-se The Matter of Time de Richard Serra. As esculturas monumentais em aço convidam-nos a caminhar entre curvas e espirais, numa experiência em que a percepção do espaço se transforma a cada passo. Uma obra para observar, mas sobretudo para percorrer e sentir.
Among the works in the permanent collection that left the greatest impression on me was The Matter of Time by Richard Serra. Its monumental steel sculptures invite visitors to walk through curves and spirals, in an experience where the perception of space shifts with every step. It is a work to be admired, but above all to be explored and felt.
Aquando da minha visita, estava patente a exposição Jasper Johns - Night Drive, dedicada à obra de um dos artistas mais influentes da arte contemporânea.
During my visit, Jasper Johns - Night Drive was on display, offering an insight into the work of one of the most influential artists in contemporary art.
Ao longo da exposição, descobrimos igualmente algumas das referências que ajudam a compreender o seu universo criativo. O autorretrato de Edward Munch, o cachimbo associado a René Magritte, o compositor John Cage, uma obra de Robert Rauschenberg e Marcel Duchamp. Diferentes formas de pensar a arte que ajudam a compreender os diálogos e as influências presentes no trabalho do artista.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors are also introduced to some of the references that help illuminate Jasper Johns’ creative universe. These include Edvard Munch’s self-portrait, the pipe associated with René Magritte, composer John Cage, and works by Robert Rauschenberg and Marcel Duchamp. Together, they reveal different ways of thinking about art and offer a deeper understanding of the dialogues and influences that shaped the artist’s work.
Algumas das obras em exibição.
Some of the works on display.
Ponte Zubizuri
Zubizuri bridge
Chanel Guillotine Model 1999 - Tom Sachs
Tiffany Gift Meal 1999 - Tom Sachs
Prada Toilet 1996 - Tom Sachs
Na sala dedicada aos Ecos da Pop Art, chamaram-me a atenção as peças de Tom Sachs. Com humor e ironia, o artista cruza referências ao universo do luxo com materiais e técnicas artesanais, questionando o valor que atribuimos às marcas, ao consumo e à autenticidade.
In the gallery dedicated to Echoes of Pop Art, the works of Tom Sachs particularly caught my attention. With humour and irony, the artist combines references to the world of luxury with handcrafted materials and techniques, prompting us to question the value we assign to brands, consumerism and authenticity.
Nesta sala destaco ainda o ímpar One Hundred and Fifty Multicolored Marilyns (1979) de Andy Warhol.
In this gallery, I would also highlight Andy Warhol’s remarkable One Hundred and Fifty Multicolored Marilyns (1979).
Bob-Tail (1991), o cão de Jeff Koons, surge diante da pintura The Swimmer in the Econo-mist (painting 2) de James Rosenquist.
Jeff Koons’ Bob-Tail (1991) stands in front of James Rosenquist’s The Swimmer in the Econo-mist (Painting 2).
Entre os quadros de Roy Lichtenstein, saliento Reverie (1965), uma das minhas obras preferidas de Pop Art.
Among Roy Lichtenstein’s paintings, Reverie (1965) stands out as one of my favourite Pop Art works.
Infinity Mirrored Room - A Wish for Human Happiness Calling from Beyond the Universe 2022 - Yahoo Kusama. Espreitem aqui a exposição da artista em Serralves.
Infinity Mirrored Room - A Wish for Human Happiness Calling from Beyond the Universe (2022) by Yayoi Kusama. You can read more about the artist’s exhibition at Serralves here.
A visita continua no exterior, e, como a ideia era vivenciar a cidade, regressámos no dia seguinte para ver de perto as esculturas, passear junto à ria e observar o edifício de todos os ângulos.
The experience extends beyond the museum walls and, eager to experience more of the city, we returned the following day to admire the sculptures up close, stroll along the estuary and take in the building from every angle.
A escultura Tall Tree & the eye (2009), de Anish Kapoor é formada por 73 esferas espelhadas. A obra reflecte e multiplica as imagens do Guggenheim, da ria e da cidade, criando um jogo de perspectivas que muda à medida que nos movemos à sua volta.
Tall Tree & the Eye (2009), by Anish Kapoor, is composed of 73 mirrored spheres. The sculpture reflects and multiplies images of the Guggenheim, the estuary and the city, creating a play of perspectives that changes as visitors move around it.
A impressionante aranha Maman, de Louise Bourgeois, foi concebida em homenagem à mãe da artista, que trabalhava na restauração de tapeçarias. Associada à arte de tecer, surge aqui como uma figura protectora, ligada à maternidade e à força.
Louise Bourgeois’ striking Maman was conceived as a tribute to the artist’s mother, who worked in tapestry restoration. Linked to the art of weaving, the spider is presented as a protective figure, embodying both motherhood and strength.
As cores outonais conferem ainda mais beleza a este cenário.
The autumn colours make the setting even more beautiful.
Sugiro que atravessem a ponte pedonal Zubizuri e passeiem pela margem oposta à do museu, de onde podem ter uma visão mais abrangente do edifício. Para regressar utilizem o Passadiço Pedro Arrupe, junto à universidade de Deusto.
I recommend crossing the Zubizuri pedestrian bridge and exploring the opposite bank of the estuary, which offers a wider perspective of the museum. On your way back, follow the Pedro Arrupe Walkway, next to the University of Deusto.
Agur, Bilbo. Laster arte.
