I just got back from my first time to Spain and the amazing city of Barcelona has been a wonderful success and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this huge exhibition. The Barcelona International Art Fair was in the jaw dropping Museu Marítim de Barcelona and held over 120 talented creatives from 30 countries showing off their art to an audience of over three thousand visitors, judges, press, art critics and collectors.
The fifth edition of BIAF presents over 100 contemporary exhibitors from 30 countries, showcasing the next generation of talent alongside some of the most established galleries from Europe and around the world. Taking place in the iconic Museu Marítim de Barcelona 16-17 December 2016, right in the heart of central Barcelona. [http://www.bcnartfair.com/]
The size of the exhibition was overwhelming, the largest I've been to and of course the only time it rained was while the artists were bumping in. The competition was tough, the exhibits were all amazing, I just focussed on making my display the best if could be. The hard work was done and it was time to let the art speak for itself.
The art was from my collection 'Second Coat' - Animals made out of jackets, not the other way around. You can see them on my art page.
My partner Danny flew over to Spain with me to help me set up and his parents came from Manchester England as well so I had a wonderful support network which was invaluable. The exhibition was busy from open to close and although I didn't speak Spanish, enthusiasm and smiles transcend language and I loved watching people enjoy the work, taking pictures and bringing their friends to my stand.
Not all the judges made themselves known, a couple did and their reactions were encouraging. They thoroughly inspected the artwork, asked questions (in English thank goodness) about the construction methods and materials and the meaning behind the work.
By the end, I was exhausted, I'm not sure if it was the jet lag, being on my feet for so long or the adrenalin but my head was spinning, I didn't expect one of the judges to tap on my shoulder and whisper in my ear to make sure I was at the awards ceremony. With my heart pounding out of my chest, Danny and his parents on either side of me I was awarded 2nd Prize in front of a crowd of my peers. To say it was a special moment is an understatement.
We stayed in Barcelona for a week and like almost everyone who visits, fell in love with the city. We enjoyed all the sights, ridiculously awesome tapas restaurants, architecture, and art. It's a trip I'll never forget.
Huge thank you to Danny Bolt for capturing the event on camera as well as supporting and encouraging me in everything I set out to achieve, it means the world having you on my team.
