Swab in Barcelona, always a good idea!

by Valentina Casacchia | Oct 11, 2024 | Columns

Swab Barcelona is more than just an art fair—it’s an experimental platform for emerging artistic voices, driven by a truly eclectic vision. Within its artistic direction is independent curator Domenico De Chirico, whose trajectory includes the artistic direction of DAMA Fair, Turin (2016-2019), curation at MIA Art Fair, Milan, and numerous exhibitions on a global scale, as well as Jerome Pantalacci, also the founder and director of ART-O-RAMA in Marseille, brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked at the esteemed Roger Pailhas gallery and co-created “Art Dealers,” an art fair he launched himself.

Founded in 2006 by architect and collector Joaquín Diez-Cascón, Swab has grown to feature up to 80 galleries from across the global art scene, acting as a bridge for cultures and ideas. With 17 editions under its belt, the fair steps into 2024 with a renewed mission to champion the spaces and disciplines shaping the future of art. This year’s edition, run from October 3 to 6, transforms Barcelona into a buzzing hub of creativity and innovation.

While this coloured fair has nurtured strong connections with the city’s vibrant art scene, featuring iconic local galleries like ADN Gallery, it has steadily broadened its international reach. Its global presence continues to expand, welcoming a diverse selection of artists and galleries from around the world, offering visitors a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions.

Tonni van Sommeren, Tiny Art Gallery, Showroom dummie 2021. Wood, 10 x 5 x 3,5 cm © SWAB

Among delightful surprises is The Tiny Art Gallery, a nomadic exhibition space consisting of miniature rooms as small as 5×5 cm. Since its inception in 2020, it has traveled through cities like Den Haag, Nijmegen, and Sofia, showcasing creativity in its most compact form. It’s a playful reminder that the impact of art isn’t defined by size but by its ability to spark curiosity and conversation. The installation is beautiful, and the hundreds of lovely sculptures and works we see are from all different artists. Prices are between below €500 up to few thousands for the whole stand.

One of this year’s major highlights is Raffaella De Chirico, who recently transitioned from Turin to Milan, establishing her gallery in a historically significant space. At Swab, she presents works by Bruno Marrapodi and Jacopo Mandrich. Marrapodi’s fluid lines and hauntingly intricate castles command attention, their quiet power drawing viewers into an intimately personal world. Interestingly, Marrapodi is also an artist of FASE, an integral part of Swab’s program.

Bruno Marrapodi, Questi Fantasmi Insomnia, 2023. Oil on canvas, 105 x 95 cm © Valentina Casacchia

Longside him, Fabia Claramunt’s solo show curated by supported by Fundació Vilacasas, explores contemporary topics like the tensions and harmonies between body and society through a street pop style. FASE itself is a standout—an independent and sustainable workspace in Hospitalet and meeting point for artists, curators, and researchers. It offers production workshops, workstations, and multipurpose areas, providing fertile ground for cultural practitioners to explore alternative paths for growth.

Another gem this year is Noaddress Gallery, a gallery originating from Rio de Janeiro, now wandering across Italy and beyond. Their presentation of Matteo Beltrame’s small paintings—intimate snapshots of daily life—has already become a collector favorite, thanks to their quiet charm and poetic sensibility.

For those seeking deeper narratives, Greta Pllana’s series of paintings and bathers at Naan Gallery delve into themes of identity and memory through the lens of nature, offering an introspective journey. Go check the works by Swedish artist Diana Orving at Tempesta, priced under 2,000 euros, reflecting a unique fashion-inspired perspective, while Susana Inglada’s vibrant fabric pop paintings at Palmadptze in Mallorca add an enticing variety to the fair. For those looking to invest in higher-end pieces, Alessandro Albanese presents a harmonious mix of works by Mattia Sugamiele and the renowned Erin Armstrong, exemplifying Swab’s commitment to showcasing both emerging talents and established artists.

Emerging_Tempesta_Diana Orving, INTROSPECTION, Installation view at Tempesta Gallery, Milano, Ph Sarah Indriolo

As Swab draws to a close this October, Barcelona’s art scene remains electric, especially with the Manifesta Biennial ongoing until November. It’s a testament to the city’s energetic cultural landscape, where art fairs like Swab are not just events but integral threads in the fabric of Barcelona’s artistic identity.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, Swab Barcelona offers an experience that goes far beyond a mere exhibition. It’s an invitation to engage with art that is simultaneously personal and global, anchored in a city that lives and breathes creativity.

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