TV/Arts/TV: Free Exhibitions at Arts Santa Monica.

If I can get away with spending a cultural afternoon out and somehow incorporate my not so secret passion for TV I’m doing a hop, a skip and a jump to the front door. I know I’m not alone when I say it’s sometimes difficult to drag yourself off of the sofa on a Sunday afternoon, if it’s a choice between tea and cake or traipsing around a windy city ill admittedly always opt for the prior. Last weekend by hook or by crook I awoke ready and raring for a mountain of fried egg sandwiches and a day out and about sight shopping. Everyone feels better after some stimulating exercise and a blast of visual arts, so I finally got off my backside, shot up Montjuïc and then headed to Arts Santa Monica’s collective exhibition to see TV/Arts/TV, The television “shot” by artists. It’s not so often I live out such an action packed afternoon, so allow me to disclose my weekend’s findings…

Arts Santa Monica is undoubtedly my favorite museum in Barcelona. The fact that it’s free does help but I’m honestly always curious to see what teat is in store for me as I scurry off La Rambla. Yet to be disappointed by the program, some of my finest art encounters have taken place in the safety of this wonderful building. Barcelona has delivered a turnover of attractive medias this 2010, this exhibition being no exception to my past unearthing.

The title of TV/Arts/TV on the whole sums up what this collective exhibition is all about, ‘The television “shot” by artists’. For those of you who still desire a short sharp summary TV/Arts/TV incorporates various artists takes, transformations and observations of the desirable television set. Echoed through pieces of their choice, photography, paintings, video art and instillations portray opinions, facts and times impact on these assorted views. I for one have a very obscure relationship with the television, so it’s enlightening to witness a whole team of creative’s reflect my box watching passion, relieving me of any fears I’m the only one.

TV/Arts/TV has taken over two floors of Arts Santa Monica, some of the instillations are pretty out there definitely providing food for thought amongst its visitors. My favorite part entailed pulling up a wicker chair and watching 44 video portraits of individuals, eyes fixed on a static camera. Watching TV, watching them watch TV, an odd silent few moments spurring on my love for the good stuff. Amongst the works you’ll find screens set up paying back tapes marking video history. Greats such as Andy Warhol and Wolf Vostell are featured alongside screenings from young talent mixing visions which span out over the generations.

Click HERE for more info on the contributing artist and featured instillations. TV/Arts/TV comes to an end on the 5^th of Dec. All explanatory text is available in Catalan, Spanish and English. Thank you Arts Santa Monica, for once again putting on a great show.

La Rambla 7 / 08002 Barcelona