Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Registration deadline: April 30
Swab Barcelona : Prats de Mollo 7 bajos, 08021 Barcelona Spain
Swab Barcelona is proud to introduce its ninth edition, which will take place from September 29 until October 2. This year, over 70 galleries will be participating in both the general program and the curated projects, which include new sections—IN/OUT, Focus Maghreb and Cross-Bounders—plus the consolidated sections Solo Swab, Swab Seed, Swab On Paper and MYFAF.
Solo Swab
Direlia Lazo and Zaida Trallero curate this section that consists of individual presentations by artists from Latin America. In its third edition, Solo Swab consolidates itself as a space that reflects upon the artistic practice in the region, in dialogue with its social and political context.
Focus Magreb
Curated by Xavier de Luca, this program arises from the need of European society to know in depth the social, cultural and artistic realities that are taking place in the Maghreb region.
Cross-Bounders
Program curated by Susana Sanz and produced by Wang Zhongwen, with the participants including Song Fang, Ju Anqi, Yu Depeng and Wang Liren, four acclaimed and emerging Chinese filmmakers who will come to Barcelona to create their first video-art piece in the frame of Swab House.
Swab Seed
David Armengol curates the second edition of this space of visibility and debate for independent gallery proposals located throughout Europe.
IN/OUT by Banc Sabadell Foundation
Under the supervision of Frederic Montornés and Imma Prieto, this section comprises a selection of artists representative of nine different galleries throughout Barcelona. The artists were grouped together to establish a unified nexus within the city’s current artistic program, providing multiple perspectives and insights into some of Barcelona’s most interesting creators. This section asks, “What does being in or out mean?” and empowers a debate through a diverse group of artists and artworks.
Swab On Paper
Curated by Mónica Álvarez Careaga, and presented by eight international galleries, this section displays artworks from eight individual artistic projects that describe the “sketch” from traditional to contemporary uses.
MYFAF (My First Art Fair)
Curated by Rosa Lleó, this section consists of three contemporary art galleries who have been open for less than two years, and that have not participated before in any international art fair.
General programme
Established art galleries that present emerging artists are divided into three types of booth: 25, 20, and 15 square meters.
Swab is proud to present two other novelties: Fundación Swab Barcelona and Swab House.
Fundación Swab Barcelona aims to strengthen the creation and support of social networks with cultural agents and to facilitate collaboration in acquisition programs for a public art fund during the fair.
Swab House: In collaboration with creative centers Hangar and La Escocesa and the artist residence Jiwar, four artists will develop a curated project during the month prior to Swab Barcelona, which will be exhibited at the fair.
Swab Barcelona continues with the acquisition awards:
DKV Award to the best Spanish artist
MANGO young artist Award Grisart Photography Award that will be ceded to the MACBA Foundation Barcelona
Lluís Coromina Foundation Award for the best Catalan artist
Idea Art Marset Award Drawing Award by Diezy7 Collection
Last but not least, in the frame of Swab Off, we present the 4th edition of Swab Stairs, a program that grows to 17 art and design schools from all over the world. The stairs of the main metro stations of Barcelona will be covered with vinyl, displaying the winning projects presented by the students from the main local schools and six international guest schools: Royal College of Art, London; SCAD, Hong Kong; LASALLE, Singapore;Escuela Da Vinci from Buenos Aires; ECUAD Vancouver, Canada; and ESBArts from Algiers, Algeria. The registration period for the galleries started on February 2 and will remain open until April 30. See you at Swab!
source: Art-Agenda