An illustrated book titled 'Temps de Gràcia' (Times of Gràcia) by artist Feliu Renom, published by Salvatella publishing house, has been released, offering a visual homage to the Gràcia neighbourhood in Barcelona through urban sketching. The book is the culmination of numerous walks through the district with a sketchbook, aiming to understand and appreciate this corner of Barcelona more deeply.
Featuring 120 drawings, Renom, known for his technical rigour and precision, captures the essence and strong personality of Gràcia. The illustrations focus on the neighbourhood's iconic squares, such as Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Revolució, Plaça del Diamant, and Plaça de la Virreina, which serve as emblematic meeting and community spaces. The book also depicts narrow, predominantly pedestrian streets like Passatge de Frigola, Riera de Sant Miquel, Fraternitat, Verdi, and Rambla del Prat.
Capturing Gràcia's Unique Character
The publication further portrays Gràcia's urban fabric, showcasing modernist buildings, low-rise houses that recall the neighbourhood's industrial and artisan past, and a diverse array of shops and social venues. Representative establishments featured include Acadèmia Taure, Cafè Salambó, the Verdi cinemas, Taifa bookshop, Bodega Quimet, and Bar Les Heures. These illustrations, according to the publisher, reflect the vitality and resilience of Gràcia's commercial and associative community.
A dedicated section of the collection focuses on Gràcia's festive and popular side, with scenes from celebrations such as the Festa Major de Gràcia, the Sant Medir festival, and the Foguerons de Sant Antoni de sa Pobla a Gràcia. These collective expressions are presented as integral to the neighbourhood's memory and character.
The Artist Behind the Sketches
Feliu Renom, originally from Sabadell and born in Béjar, now resides in Mallorca but maintains family ties to Gràcia. He has been drawing since childhood and, despite a long career as a pneumologist, never ceased his artistic pursuit. Since 2010, Renom has been an active member of the international Urban Sketchers movement, which promotes drawing 'in situ' and sharing perspectives of the world through sketches.
'Temps de Gràcia' is designed to appeal to both long-time residents who cherish the neighbourhood and newcomers discovering it for the first time, offering a unique visual journey into its heart.
