Gabriel Ventura’s Artistic Garden Blooms in Barcelona

The Mayoral Gallery on Consell de Cent has unveiled a new collective exhibition titled ‘Transnarcís’, curated by Gabriel Ventura. The opening event drew a diverse crowd of creators, art students, and curious onlookers, filling the space with a lively atmosphere that spilled out onto the street.

Unlike traditional exhibitions, the show rejects a linear narrative. There are no designated pathways to follow, nor are there labels identifying the authors of the works. Instead, visitors are encouraged to wander freely, allowing their eyes to roam across the pieces in a state of discovery.

The concept behind ‘Transnarcís’ stems from a desire to revive a Mironiana idea—the notion of standing alongside the poet. Gabriel Ventura, who was entrusted with the comisariado (curation) of the show, aimed to create an environment that feels open and surprising.

“Con esta exposición colectiva queríamos recuperar una idea muy mironiana, la de estar al lado del poeta. Una figura que nos abre puertas y nos sorprende.”

The gallery’s owner, Jordi Mayoral, elaborated on this vision during the inauguration. He described the exhibition as a ‘paseo de flores’ (walk of flowers), designed to be experienced with a free gaze, allowing visitors to be led by innocence and poetry rather than rigid structure.

The sensory experience of the exhibition is heightened by the absence of traditional signage. Without carteles to reveal the creators, the focus shifts entirely to the visual dialogue between the artworks and the viewer.

Adding to the immersive environment is the banda sonora (soundtrack) provided by the Barcelona duo Ciutat. Their music fills the space, complementing the visual chaos and guiding the emotional rhythm of the visitor’s journey through the gallery.

• No prescribed route for visitors
• Artists' names kept hidden
• Live musical accompaniment by local duo
• Focus on poetic discovery

The exhibition serves as a historical bridge, connecting contemporary curation with the giants of 20th-century art. The works on display represent a significant lineage of surrealist and abstract expressionist thought.

While the specific works remain unlisted in the source material, the exhibition is noted to feature pieces from seminal figures. These include the dreamscapes of Salvador Dalí, the abstract biomorphism of Joan Miró, and the vibrant, gestural works of Montserrat Chordà.

Further enriching the collection are contributions from Tharrats and Barquero, creating a dense tapestry of artistic expression that challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface.

Located in the heart of Barcelona, the Mayoral Gallery continues to cement the city’s status as a hub for avant-garde art. The choice of Consell de Cent as the venue places the exhibition within a vibrant urban context, where the energy of the street meets the contemplation of the gallery.

By curating a show that feels like a free walk, the gallery aligns itself with the city’s pedestrian-friendly culture. It invites the public to pause and engage with art in a way that feels organic and unforced, mirroring the spontaneous nature of Barcelona’s own artistic history.

‘Transnarcís’ offers more than just a viewing experience; it is an invitation to wander and wonder. By stripping away the traditional constraints of museum labels and guided tours, Gabriel Ventura and Jordi Mayoral have created a space where art speaks directly to the soul.

The exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring power of surrealist poetry. It reminds us that sometimes the most profound connections with art happen when we simply allow ourselves to get lost in the garden.