Masters of Catalan Art of the 20th Century. Bassat Collection

The Museu d’Art de Girona presents the exhibition “Masters of Catalan Art of the 20th Century. Bassat Collection”.

This exhibition brings together a selection of works from the extensive Carmen and Lluís Bassat collection, built as a mosaic representing various periods of 20th-century Catalan art. Despite some absences, the exhibition allows visitors to follow a chronological line that helps us understand the historical evolution of Catalan art, through creators who, in their time, opened new expressive paths.

The artists have been grouped by generations in order to follow a chronological thread throughout the century, even though in many cases the works belong to different stages. Although artworks often resist being grouped, both historical and aesthetic criteria have been followed.

The artists have been grouped by generations in order to follow a chronological thread throughout the century, even though in many cases the works belong to different stages. Although artworks often resist being grouped, both historical and aesthetic criteria have been followed.

As this is a private collection, this exhibition does not aim to be exhaustive, but rather to highlight a specific goal: to present a vision of the multiple possibilities of 20th-century Catalan art. Therefore, it should be emphasised that not all artists who deserve to be included are represented, and that the works correspond to specific periods that, in some cases, do not match the movement with which the artist is associated.

Catalonia has one of the most powerful instruments of projection in the visual arts, one of the cultural fields that has given us some of the most universal Catalans. In the shaping of 20th-century European art, our country achieved an exceptional dimension through great creators who produced singular works and gained international recognition within the most contemporary artistic trends.

This selection favours diversity and the inclusion of some essential names in any historical or museographic approach. Ultimately, the selection is linked to creators who championed innovation and who are part of the elite of the Catalan artistic scene due to the personality and quality of their work.

Carmen Orellana and Lluís Bassat are passionate collectors who, over more than forty years, have built an exceptional art collection. Their passion and perseverance, combined with sound judgement and an interest in the cultural and social impact of art, have led them to assemble a significant body of works that constitute one of the most representative collections of 20th-century Spanish and Catalan art.

The current exhibition is a small selection from the Bassat Collection, with the aim of presenting works and artists that are fundamental to 20th-century Catalan art. A careful selection of 67 pieces —including paintings and sculptures— by 63 artists chosen from a collection of more than 3,000 works. With the aim of highlighting the importance of the collection in the narrative of Catalan art, and also of acknowledging the public significance of private collecting and the contribution it has made to the artistic and heritage ecosystem.