Margalef: “Urban art reveals new spaces to us, presents them under a different light, and often fills the voids that the city has”

Margalef is an architect and designer from Barcelona, specializing in ephemeral creations and artistic projects that combine visual arts and architecture. The culture of urban art and minimalist abstract art are the main sources of inspiration from which he draws to create striking proposals and interventions that mostly take place in an architectural context. His works often question the social and urban challenges we must face, because Margalef knows perfectly how to engage in dialogue with the street and capture how each space is experienced.

In Sardinia, at 68 the Catalan architect invites us to discover 'albada', his contribution to the NN Shutters urban art project initiated by Núñez i Navarro. An abstract design that seeks to reproduce the bright and dazzling tones of the sunlight at the beginning of the day; when the refraction of the rays causes us to see light before the sun has risen.

Margalef, explain to us, how does architecture evolve into an artistic vocation?

Architecture is an artistic specialty in itself, where concepts, theories, history, and influences related to art converge. It is also a technical specialty, indeed. If you focus on one of the two aspects, you can approach it from a different perspective, without certain limitations, and the results can often surprise you.

In each of your works, what do you try to convey?

I try to search for the essence of the place or space, based on its characteristics, its heritage value, or its context. And to translate or capture these reflections in a visual language that takes into account the degree of impact the intervention should have in relation to what already exists.

Much of your work is ephemeral. Why? Do you align with Bauman's concept of liquid art?

It's an approach that is linked to the role that the intervention will have or the time frame you are allowed to display an installation. If it will only be enjoyed for a few hours or days, it doesn't make sense to approach it in a conventional way, but rather it should be tackled with parameters of efficiency, sustainability, and resources. It's a stance that has been taken.

Should art be cryptic and open, or should it have a clear interpretation or challenge?

Both formulas are valid; typically, the artist seeks the level of definition they want to offer in each work or throughout their career, and this is defined later. Personally, I like to create (and consume) art that combines both options: one that is clearer, popular, or local, which engages the general viewer; along with another that is more personal, often with a deeper reflection, aiming to captivate a more specific audience.

What has been the contribution to this project?

The interesting thing about the project is the opportunity to be part of a collection of talented artists working on a common project, under careful curation and aiming to create a solid project focused on the city's urban art.

What is the shutter on Sardenya street trying to convey?

It is a small surface framed within a long facade, where currently there is no activity; therefore, a sensation of pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic prevails. The intervention on the shutter aims to reflect this continuous dynamism of urban entities.

And during the creation of the mural, what feedback did you receive from the neighbors?

The public is usually very curious about all the artistic events that happen around them, and they do not hesitate to ask about the what and the how of things. Many of them convey a certain gratitude and energy, others wonder what will be put in the new venue.

From your perspective, how does urban art look in Barcelona?

A lot of great work has been done in recent years and currently, we have a wide range of styles and techniques within the Barcelona scene. We have more graphic proposals, others that are more assertive, and some that aim to be innovative. And a level of acceptance has been achieved from the citizens, which is always important.

Urban art, at first glance, is more diverse and inclusive, for both the artist and the viewer. It reveals new spaces to us, presents them through a different lens, and often fills the voids within the city.

Do you think there is enough support to enhance this form of art?

Barcelona has always been a vibrant city, and initiatives that promote urban art or street art constantly emerge. What often happens is that these initiatives do not last over time (either they cannot be economically sustained, or they do not receive clear and decisive support from their promoters), and there is not enough strength built to support a generation of leading artists or to aid in the consolidation of others. Despite everything, the city and its artists are constantly reinventing themselves to bring the public the latent creativity.

You can watch the video of the creation process of the artwork here.