Surrealism is not synonymous with detachment from reality: it can be another way of looking at it. This is clearly demonstrated in Surrealism meets the sea, the exhibition by JJ Walker, which occupies the Bluewave Alliance space at Port Olímpic in Barcelona until September 21. In it, the British artist based in Barcelona has brought together a collection of paintings, sculptures, and prints resulting from his work at the historic Studio 46 Barcelona, located in the Lesseps area.
Walker’s works are full of symbolism and invite reflection on social behavior and our relationship with the environment, especially the sea. The sea and nature in general rise as metaphors for the human condition. Bronze works such as Propeller Head (a human figure with a propeller instead of a head) and Sustain (a bird carrying a commercial airplane in its beak) question the omnipresence of technology, oils like Port Lligat II and The Seal and the Siren highlight what little cleanliness and serenity remain on our coasts, and others like Bone, Feather and Fire and Dance of the Bees explore aspects of the human condition.
There are also warnings of climate disaster, such as Last Appeal to Reason, and moments of almost cruel irony, like Dark Rabbit. In short, JJ Walker presents a body of work that is formally impeccable with a reflective undertone very much attuned to the time we live in.
The exhibition has been curated by Martin Sky, responsible for art, exhibitions, and business development at Studio 46 Barcelona. The venue, founded in 1974 by the engraver Joan Barbarà—who is still active there—hosts artists in residence and promotes others externally.
Since the last America’s Cup held in Barcelona, Studio 46 Barcelona has maintained a collaboration with Bluewave Alliance, an initiative by Isdin that seeks to unite efforts from all sectors of society to give a new life to the Mediterranean Sea, which has already materialized in seven projects. JJ Walker’s exhibition is the third in the ArtMed initiative, which merges art and activism in favor of marine conservation. 10% of sales are donated to Bluewave Alliance.
In the same exhibition space, from November 11 to 16, El verdadero oro azul: las venas del planeta Tierra will be showcased, with Juliana Plexxo, Joan Barbarà, and Cory James Jacobsen—artists also represented by Studio 46 Barcelona—as the protagonists. They will offer a poetic and visual reflection, comparing the flow of water to the blood that sustains the planet.
Surrealism meets the sea. Bluewave Alliance Space. ME15, Moll de Mestral, Port Olímpic, Barcelona. Until September 21.
