Exploring the Legacy of Catalan Modernisme

An Enlightening Evening with Dr. Judith Urbano at Backstory English Bookshop

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending a fascinating event at Backstory English Bookshop—an engaging talk on Catalan Modernisme delivered by Dr. Judith Urbano, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC). Dr. Urbano is a leading scholar in the field and her insights into the transformative artistic movement that has shaped Barcelona as we know it were incredibly enlightening.

The event explored the origins of Modernisme, an art and architectural movement that completely altered the face of Barcelona and Catalonia. Before Modernisme took hold, the city’s streets and buildings were drastically different—lacking the imaginative, intricate designs we now associate with landmarks like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. It was fascinating to learn how this movement, which began in the late 19th century, was driven by a combination of cultural nationalism, industrialization, and a desire to break from traditional styles in favour of something entirely new and avant-garde

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Dr. Urbano’s knowledge was impressive, as she walked us through the timeline of Modernisme, highlighting key figures like Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner. What I appreciated most was how she explained not only the visual aspects of Modernisme but also its deeper cultural significance. This movement was as much about reclaiming a distinct Catalan identity as it was creating visually stunning buildings. I had known about the aesthetic beauty of Modernisme, but this talk opened my eyes to the political and social context that fueled its rise.

Throughout the talk, Dr. Urbano touched on some of her research projects, including her work on “La Mansana de la Discòrdia,” a famous block in Barcelona where buildings by different Modernist architects sit side by side. Hearing about her ongoing work at the Vic Cathedral and her role as a curator for various exhibitions only deepened my admiration for her expertise. Her explanation of the architectural styles, the specific materials used in Modernist designs, and the influence of medieval, Gothic, and even Moorish elements on the movement was detailed and accessible.

I left the event feeling better informed and deeply inspired by the stories and the vision behind Catalan Modernisme. Whether you’re an art lover or simply someone interested in the cultural evolution of this region, Dr. Urbano’s talk was the perfect deep dive into what makes Barcelona’s architecture so uniquely captivating.

I’m looking forward to attending more events like this at Backstory English Bookshop and continuing to explore the rich history of Catalan art and architecture.