A Tribute to Xavier Corberó’s Triumphal Arches
A version of this exclusive article first appeared in the pages of the 14th issue of ODDA Magazine.
Corberó is a legendary Spanish artist and sculptor, considered to be a genius by many. He was born in Barcelona, Spain, but his life was forged between Esplugues de Llobregat and New York, and his art is appreciated all over the world.
Back in 1962, Salvador Dalí was one of his first patrons and, as a result of that purchase, the two artists became best friends for the rest of Dalí’s life.
During that time, Corberó also fostered close friendships with artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst and Man Ray. When he opened his first exhibition in New York, the city embraced him and Andy Warhol joined the ranks of his friends and colleagues.
His greatest and most-beloved work is his own house, nestled in the suburbs of Esplugues de Llobregat (Barcelona), an 8-acres labyrinthine of an estate that started construction at the beginning of the 70s and was a work in progress for four decades.
Xavier Corberó’s House, Photography: Salva Lopez for WSJ
It is a hypnotic, poetic and epic project. The passion the sculptor had for his art form has been carved into ever curve, archway and threshold of building. It is an ode to nature, which Corberó loved so much, to the star fish, the seashells, the sun and the sea, that caress in each of the steps in the courtyards of the house, and in the adjacent streets.
The home is a labyrinth full of almost 300 arches, where you can let fly the imagination to places that only Corberó can take you, places full of passion, where he holds you by the hand and leads you through his work. As was his desire, he created a space that is more than just a material experience, it is also a mental exploration. Where, from the same vantage point, a person can experience the space in a myriad of different ways. The home is a paradise of light and shadow, which brings to mind the German expressionist cinema; as if Fritz Lang had passed by there.
Woody Allen fell in love with the house, and lived there while filming in Barcelona.
Corberó’s vision inspired artists of the caliber of Richard Serra, Roy Lichtenstein or Bryan Hunt to exhibit their sculptures in the streets of Barcelona.
He deserves the great tribute that humanity owes him and we, from this magazine, want to thank him this way: Thank you, Maestro.
Filmmaker, Journalist and documentary.
For several years working as an assistant director of short films and feature films in 35mm. His documentaries have been shown at festivals Festival de Cinema de Sitges, New York Film Festival, Portland Underground Film Festival, San Francisco Film Festival, and others.
Worked at events “080” in Barcelona, collaborating with photographers Miguel Villalobos for the production of the tribute to Thierry Mugler.
Writes and produces reports for magazines “Candy Magazine” to Luis Venegas, Also works for the magazine “Paraiso Magazine”, and Features Editor at ODDA Magazine.
Eduardo Gion Espejo-Saavedra
Filmmaker, Journalist and documentary. For several years working as an assistant director of short films and feature films in 35mm. His documentaries have been shown at festivals Festival de Cinema de Sitges, New York Film Festival, Portland Underground Film Festival, San Francisco Film Festival, and others. Worked at events “080” in Barcelona, collaborating with photographers Miguel Villalobos for the production of the tribute to Thierry Mugler. Writes and produces reports for magazines “Candy Magazine” to Luis Venegas, Also works for the magazine “Paraiso Magazine”, and Features Editor at ODDA Magazine.
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