Museu de l'Art Prohibit - Museum of Prohibited Art

You will find here a diverse collection of works that often address political, social, or cultural themes that have been controversially debated in the past and continue to be so today.

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The collection

The Museu de l’Art Prohibit houses over 200 artworks that have been censored, banned, or criticized due to political, social, or religious reasons. The collection showcases a variety of media from the 20th and 21st centuries, including paintings, sculptures, engravings, photographs, installations, and audiovisual works. These pieces have been the subject of numerous controversial discussions, often occurring in mainstream media and social networks.

Artists such as Ai Weiwei, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Tania Bruguera have works featured in the collection, as well as iconic pieces like León Ferrari's "Western and Christian Civilization" and Andrés Serrano's "Piss Christ," which have sparked long-standing controversial debates. Works by Pablo Picasso, Francisco de Goya, and Gustav Klimt, which experienced censorship, are also represented. The collection spans from the 18th to the 21st century.

The initiative to establish the collection was led by journalist and entrepreneur Tatxo Benet, who began with Santiago Sierra's "Political Prisoners in Contemporary Spain," which was removed from ARCO in 2018. Since then, Benet has continuously expanded and strengthened the collection to make it accessible to visitors. As a founding member of the audiovisual group Mediapro, Benet is also significantly involved in various cultural projects.

The collection of the Museu de l’Art Prohibit encompasses a wide range of art forms, including:

• Painting: Paintings of various styles and techniques, from figurative to abstract art
• Sculptures: Created in various materials and forms
• Graphics: Engravings and prints featuring a variety of themes and styles
• Photographic works: Capturing various aspects of human experience and the world around us
• Artistic installations: Actively engaging exhibition space involving the viewers
• Audiovisual works: Including films, videos, animations, and other audiovisual media

These various art forms offer visitors a wide range of artistic expressions and ideas. Exploring the Museu de l'Art Prohibit is undoubtedly a diverse and fascinating experience.

History of censorship in art

The history of censorship in art is long and complex, and the Museu de l’Art Prohibit plays an important role in preserving and uncovering this history. For centuries, governments, religious institutions, and societies have attempted to control the production and distribution of artworks deemed politically, socially, or religiously subversive. This form of censorship has forced artists to hide, alter, or even destroy their works to avoid reprisals.

The Museu de l’Art Prohibit is a place where many of these censored artworks have found a new home. These works demonstrate and explain the various forms of censorship that artists have faced throughout history, from state repression to public outrage.

By exhibiting these censored artworks, the Museu de l’Art Prohibit enables visitors to engage with the complex issues of censorship, freedom of expression, and artistic freedom. It creates a space for discussions about how and why certain artworks were censored and the impact this had on the artists and society.

Moreover, the museum serves as a monument to the importance of artistic freedom in a free and democratic society. By collecting, preserving, and presenting these censored artworks, the Museu de l’Art Prohibit reminds us that freedom of art is a fundamental human right that must be defended and protected.

Examples of censored artworks

• "Girl with Balloon" by Banksy: Known for its political message and subversive nature, Banksy's work often sparks controversy. "Girl with Balloon" is one of his most famous pieces, interpreted as a symbol of hope and loss. It has been censored and attacked in various contexts, leading to discussions about art in public spaces and artistic freedom.
• "Piss Christ" by Andrés Serrano: This controversial photograph depicts a crucifix submerged in urine. It has sparked outrage worldwide and was censored for blasphemy and incitement to religious hatred.
• "Western and Christian Civilization" by León Ferrari: This sculpture portrays Jesus Christ on a cross surrounded by American comic book characters, criticizing the connection between religion and imperialist power. It has been censored in many countries.
• "Political Prisoners in Contemporary Spain" by Santiago Sierra: This installation consists of nineteen photographs of people with their faces obscured by black bars. It was removed from the ARCO art fair, sparking a debate about freedom of expression. This controversy was a significant impetus for the creation of the Museu de l'Art Prohibit collection, initiated by Tatxo Benet.

The museum building: Casa Garriga Nogués

Casa Garriga Nogués is an architectural gem in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by architect Enric Sagnier, it is a cultural heritage site of national interest. With five floors, a magnificent staircase, and original stained glass windows, it combines classical and Catalan Modernisme styles.

Originally used as a townhouse, the ground floor housed businesses, while the first floor was occupied by the owner. The remaining floors were rented out. The main facade features the art of modernist sculptor Eusebi Arnau, while inside, classical and modern aesthetics merge.

Enric Sagnier, one of Barcelona's most prominent architects, shaped the cityscape with over 300 buildings. The history of the house ranges from banker Rupert Garriga Nogués to its use as the headquarters of the Fundación MAPFRE.

The Museu de l'Art Prohibit, founded in 2011, has been housed in Casa Garriga Nogués since 2020.

Why visit the Museu de l'Art Prohibit

The theme of the Museu de L'Art Prohibit is more relevant than ever: censorship in art. Featuring over 200 artworks that have been controversial, censored, banned, or denounced, it provides access to artworks not available elsewhere. Many of the exhibited works are historically significant, offering insights into the political and social contexts of their time.

The collection encompasses various media and styles, from paintings to installations, allowing for the exploration of a wide range of artistic expressions.

These works have sparked debates on censorship, freedom of expression, and political repression, but also offer the opportunity to develop one's own perspectives.