“These works are paintings just like my canvases”: Miquel Barceló transforms newspapers into art for EL PAÍS
Miquel Barceló creatively transforms newspapers into art pieces, showcasing his works at EL PAÍS's stand during Arco, coinciding with the newspaper's 50th anniversary.
Miquel Barceló, a renowned artist from Felanitx, showcases his latest creations at the EL PAÍS stand during the Arco art fair, where he transforms his favorite newspapers into artistic pieces. His approach goes beyond viewing newspapers merely as carriers of information; instead, he sees them as a medium for his artistic expression, merging the worlds of journalism and art. The display marks a significant moment as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of EL PAÍS, highlighting both Barceló's unique vision and the historical significance of the newspaper.
The artist's interaction with newspapers includes a tactile relationship; he buys, looks at, touches, and even reads them critically. Barceló expresses a sense of nostalgia for the quality of stories and columns from the past, which informs his work. He doesn't hesitate to physically manipulate the newspapers—sketching, painting, tearing, and stuffing them into molds for sculptures. This process illustrates not only his appreciation for the materiality of newspapers but also his critique of contemporary journalism, which he feels lacks the depth of earlier times.
By showcasing his work at a major art fair like Arco, Barceló invites a wider audience to consider the aesthetic and conceptual potential of everyday objects like newspapers. The exhibition serves as both a celebration of his artistic process and a commentary on the role of print media in today’s digital age. It poses important questions about how society values printed information and encourages viewers to rethink their relationship with the media in an era that is increasingly influenced by digital platforms.