BARCELONA – The Archaeological Museum in Barcelona surprises its visitors with an unusual proposal: the opportunity to view a photo exhibition in the nude.
A unique exhibition showing large format photographs by the artist Luigi Spina can be seen there until December 31. He captured the anatomical details of the famous Riace Bronzes, masterpieces of classical Greek art. The goal of the museum and the artist is to make visitors feel a deeper level of empathy and connection with the works of art.
“The Riace Bronzes belong to everyone and at the same time to no one. My job as a photographer is to emphasise the context,” Spina explains to El País.
The guidance of a naked art connoisseur
Irene Vicentes Salas, art historian, actress and playwright, acts as a guide and provides the necessary explanation in all her literal nakedness. “A very special relationship is created with the images of the naked pieces and I was surprised how quickly centuries of false prejudices evaporate,” she says in El País.
Practical issues
The exhibition runs until December 31 and the entrance fee is €7. Space is limited and the activity takes place behind closed doors, so that naked visitors do not come into contact with clothed people. Nudity is optional by the way; visitors can also choose to keep their clothes on.
The museum confirms that shoes must remain on for safety reasons. But otherwise you are invited to let go of all inhibitions and enjoy art in an innovative way. It is a unique opportunity for seasoned nudists or curious art lovers to discover what art feels like without clothing as a barrier.
The Bronzes of Riace
The Bronzes of Riace are two life-size Greek bronze statues representing the bodies of naked, bearded warriors. They were discovered in the summer of 1972 off the coast of Riace Marina in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy. The statues, often referred to as “Riace A” and “Riace B,” are believed to have been created in the 5th century BCE. and are exceptionally well preserved.
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