Barcelona has long been a hub for art lovers from around the world, and now there’s another reason to visit the city. An interactive exhibition titled “Imaginary Friends” (Amigos imaginarios or #amigsimaginaris) to help you get in touch with your inner child is on display at the Fundació Joan Miró.
The exposition is bringing together installations by nine contemporary artists. The show is not just for kids, but for anyone who wants to be in touch with their inner child.
The idea for the exhibition came about before the pandemic. The aim of the initiators was to create a space where people of all ages could relate to contemporary art. The exhibition’s co-curator, Martina Millà, says that the show is “therapeutic” and offers a return to a pre-pandemic spirit after a tough couple of years.
One of the most striking installations is “We Are the Baby Gang,” a collection of colourful, feathered polar bears created by Italian artist Paola Pivi. The creatures are very tactile, but this part of the show is not interactive. However, there’s plenty of opportunity for kids to let off steam with British artist Martin Creed’s “Half the Air in a Given Space,” which fills a room almost to the ceiling with large orange balloons.
But perhaps the most engaging work in the show is the oversized sofa and armchair created by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist. Sitting on the enormous sofa, with your feet barely reaching the edge of the seat, is like an Alice in Wonderland moment that takes you back to your childhood
“These works are a way of inventing a parallel life,” said Millà. “It’s like having an imaginary friend, and also a means of escape.”
Imaginary Friends is at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona until 2 July.
