Madrid
Completed

Discover 'Deseos del hormigón. Carlos Sarrate' — A Unique Exhibition at Madrid Railway Museum

Experience the artistic transformation of railway infrastructure and concrete aesthetics through Sarrate's compelling work.

The Madrid Railway Museum proudly presents 'Deseos del hormigón' by Carlos Sarrate, an insightful exhibition featuring 23 watercolors and a documentary. This collection delves into the construction of high-speed railway infrastructure in Barcelona. Sarrate's art reveals the unexpected beauty and emotional depth found within public works, reinterpreting the rigidity of concrete into a malleable form. Visitors can explore the interplay of immense machinery and evolving urban landscapes.

About Deseos del hormigón. Carlos Sarrate at Madrid Railway Museum in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Deseos del hormigón. Carlos Sarrate at Madrid Railway Museum in Madrid

Exhibition summary

This exhibition at the Madrid Railway Museum showcases 23 watercolors and a documentary by Carlos Sarrate, focusing on the construction of high-speed railway infrastructure in Barcelona. The artworks explore the aesthetics and emotions associated with public works, transforming the perceived rigidity of concrete into something malleable.

Curatorial context

The exhibition "Deseos del hormigón" (Wishes of Concrete) by Carlos Sarrate presents a collection of 23 watercolors and a documentary that delve into the construction of high-speed railway infrastructure, particularly in Barcelona. Sarrate discovered this theme while painting outdoors, observing that public works, beyond their disruptive nature, offer a unique spectacle and inspire visions of the future. He captures the spectator's emotion within the very material of construction, inviting viewers to perceive the "secret wishes" of concrete across different moments. The series of watercolors dedicated to the high-speed lines in Montmeló (2008-2012) reveal the artist's fascination with immense machinery and the intricate "surgery" performed on the territory, including demolitions, formworks, and tunneling operations. Subsequent watercolors focus on the Sagrera station (2023), examining the aesthetic of an unfinished construction site. The accompanying video expands upon and contextualizes the exhibited works, with Josep Sarrate, the documentary's author, noting the artist's special connection to these evolving urban landscapes, where seemingly rigid concrete reveals its "secret wishes" under his brush.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is offered by the Madrid Railway Museum. Specific ticketing information is not provided on this page, but visitors can explore related content such as a gallery, video, and diptych (brochure). Visitors should refer to the museum's general admission policies for details on accessing the exhibition.

Deseos del hormigón. Carlos Sarrate key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Deseos del hormigón. Carlos Sarrate at Madrid Railway Museum in Madrid

Venue
Madrid Railway Museum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Mar 21, 2024 – Jun 23, 2024
Artist line / attribution
Carlos Sarrate (Barcelona, 1959) is an artist trained in drawing and oil painting, who also practices plein-air watercolor. His interest in the construction of high-speed rail lines in Montmeló and later the Sagrera station in Barcelona led to this exhibition. The documentary accompanying the exhibition is by Josep Sarrate.
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