In other words

‘I started by observing the artworks, how work by racialised people was organised.’ We explore the research of Thais De Menezes, a former student on the MACBA Independent Studies Programme and resident researcher at the museum, based on the work ‘Búfala e Senhora das Plantas’ by Rosana Paulino. Her study, which discusses the concept of restitution, articulates and observes forms of artistic expression in order to return the potential of that which has historically been suppressed, like portrayals of black people in 19th-century art.

‘I wanted to do architecture, I wanted to dedicate myself to something that allows the external expression of creativity and, at the same time, offers a service to the community.’ We accompany Isabel Bachs, director of Architecture at MACBA until 2024, on a journey through her memories and experiences: from her origins and training through to her long career at the museum. A path marked by a passion for imagining places in which to meet, her admiration for art and rigour in her professional practice.

‘Community and solidarity have in common that they mean doing something for someone else and they have no frontiers.’ We’re going to discover the community of MACBA Friends with Michela Balloi: we’ll visit the exhibition rooms and other parts of the museum, a living place that goes beyond the static to become a space for meeting, learning and thinking. 

‘The trembling I experience in front of this beautiful work reminds me very much of the trembling I feel inside myself.’ With Loli Acebal, we delve into the weekly visits to the MACBA Collection. In a visual journey through the exhibition galleries, she reminds us in her own words of the visits that moved her the most. Art historian and educator Loli Acebal collaborates with the MACBA Educational team as part of the Avalancha collective.

‘This connection is essential, bringing the Museum to the classroom.’ In this capsule, Amèlia Mañà, secondary school teacher and regular participant in the Museum’s activities for teachers, takes the floor. Through her voice, we share with her students one of the activities inspired by MACBA’s P2P workshops: a journey into food and the emotions that family recipes evoke in us.

‘I always saw it as super white. Later I built on that, discovering the exhibitions, the people and the idea that it had colour. Everything!’ In this instalment of the series, we examine one of the activities we have been developing for the last six years: a permanent space for artistic experimentation with the kids of the neighbourhood. They tell us in their own words.