Gabriel Schmitz has been working closely with contemporary dance companies for several years; his intention is not only to paint the dancers’ movements, but also to capture their personalities—‘catching’ their gazes, their emotions…

On May 21, two weeks after the opening of his solo exhibition, the artist, along with two collaborators, organized an improvisation-based event, in which drawing, dance, and live poetry took center stage. For nearly an hour, with soft background music, dancer Cristina Martí performed while Gabriel Schmitz sketched her in numerous charcoal drawings on paper laid out directly on the floor. All of this was accompanied by live poetry recited by the poetess herself, Laia Claver. It was not simply a contemporary dance performance, nor just the rare opportunity to watch a renowned painter at work—it was the magical combination of three artistic disciplines.

This all took place at the Jordi Barnadas Gallery, filled with spectators both inside and out on the street, where passersby were also able to enjoy the performance through the glass. An engaged audience that welcomed the entire event with great enthusiasm.

Schmitz has been a regular artist at the Jordi Barnadas Gallery since the mid-nineties. This May, we present his 13th solo exhibition at our Barcelona gallery. Gabriel Schmitz is inspired by Expressionism and, with energetic and intentional brushstrokes, emphasizes the dynamic nature of his figures by enlarging hands and feet to enhance the pictorial effect. He captures movement and expression, breathing soul and life into the protagonists of his canvases.

You can view events related to Gabriel Schmitz’s exhibition through Instagram & YouTube.

Opening at the gallery

Videos of the live event, blending drawing, dance, and poetry through improvisation.

A video of the exhibition, made by Climent Vilella Capallera