Elisava Facultat de Disseny i Enginyeria de Barcelona students have unveiled a new art installation, ‘SE VENDE / ES LLOGA / ON SALE’, on Passeig de Gràcia. The ‘Un Lienzo en Blanco’ initiative displays this third piece, showcasing transformed seats from the former Comedia Cinema, until 5 April.
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The installation occupies a street-level space adjacent to the future Museu Carmen Thyssen Barcelona building. Passers-by on the iconic Passeig de Gràcia can view the artwork, which translates to ‘FOR SALE / FOR RENT / ON SALE’.
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Carmen Thyssen, the project’s patron, personally supports the students and oversees the exhibition’s development. A museum statement highlighted her involvement, stating it “symbolises the commitment to new generations of creators and reinforces the future museum’s vocation to support emerging talent.”
Supporting Emerging Artistic Talent
The ‘Un Lienzo en Blanco’ (A Blank Canvas) initiative began in November 2025. Students from various Barcelona schools intervened in the historic cinema’s original seats.
The project selects one artwork from each participating school, offering young artists an opportunity to present their work. This occurs “in an emblematic cultural environment,” according to the museum.
The future Museu Carmen Thyssen Barcelona uses this initiative to engage with the city before its anticipated 2028 inauguration. Additionally, it provides a visible platform for young artists to display their creations to the public.
Engaging Barcelona’s Cultural Landscape
The museum’s location on Passeig de Gràcia places it in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district. This area, home to over 260,000 residents, is renowned for its modernist architecture and vibrant cultural scene, attracting millions of visitors annually.
The ‘Un Lienzo en Blanco’ project aims to foster a strong connection between the museum and the local community. Furthermore, it highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging creative talent.
What Happens Next
The ‘SE VENDE / ES LLOGA / ON SALE’ installation will remain accessible to the public until 5 April. This ongoing series will continue to feature works from other design schools in the coming months.
The initiative serves as a precursor to the museum’s full opening, building anticipation for its permanent collection. Barcelona residents and visitors can look forward to more artistic interventions as 2028 approaches.
Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
