Meeting Benches World art in all forms
A nonconformist dialogue between painting, sculpture and poetry
Get ready for an experience that goes beyond a simple visit. Meeting Benches offers you a journey that intertwines the discovery of places with the inner exploration inspired by the great artists who have shaped those territories with their creativity. This new itinerary, passionately curated, will enrich your traveler’s repertoire and refine your sensitivity to beauty, revealing new layers of Surrealism. Once again, your guide will be Dastilige Nevante, the eclectic artist capable of creating a fascinating dialogue between physical art and the infinite possibilities of digital art. Drawing vital energy from the immortal works of painting masters, Nevante will lead you through an original narrative where places will echo the emotions and intuitions that inspired great artists. Are you ready to look with new eyes, feel with renewed intensity, and connect your external journey to a stimulating and rewarding inner exploration? You cannot help but recall a Surrealist poem by André Breton, ‘On the Road to San Romano’. Before departing for Barcelona, you immersed yourself in the world of Catalan Surrealist painters. Now, on the flight, you revisit your notes to prepare for the conversations ahead: ‘Salvador Dalí: a visionary whose dreamlike, precisely detailed paintings showcase remarkable technical skill, making him an undisputed icon of Surrealism. He delved into the subconscious, dreams, sexuality, and religion, crafting works that defy logic and ignite imagination. Joan Miró: evolving from Fauvist and Cubist influences, he developed a unique expressive language of biomorphic shapes, fluid lines, and striking colors. His art evokes playfulness and freedom, exploring childhood, nature, and the subconscious through symbolic imagery. Remedios Varo: though born in Spain, her deep connection to Catalonia shaped her mystically infused Surrealist works, blending science, alchemy, and metaphysical landscapes. Her paintings, rich with androgynous figures and fantastical mechanisms, invite profound reflections on existence and the cosmos.’ As the plane descends, you store your notes and take a final moment to appreciate how these artists—each distinct—brought their personal vision to Surrealism while staying deeply rooted in Catalan culture.
As you wait for your guide at the Mirador del Migdia, the stillness of the place envelops you. ‘This is a beautiful place for sunset,’ you think, ‘but I imagine the sunrise would be lovely.’ Your gaze wanders over the cruise ships entering the port and the planes landing, a movement that contrasts with the peaceful absence of cigar smoke. A sweeping gesture from a man walking toward La Caseta del Migdia catches your eye. Instinctively, shielding your eyes, you observe him carefully. ‘It must be him, my left-handed Italian,’ you conclude, taking a step forward. Welcome aboard this unprecedented adventure! I am excited to embark with you on a new Author’s Journey, an exploration at the pace of a scooter, with Barcelona as the vibrant starting point. At the dawn of the 20th century, this city was a melting pot of intellectual and artistic ferment. Surrealism, delving into the depths of the subconscious and the irrational, found a profound resonance here, fueled by a curiosity for the unusual and the mysterious. A warm breeze caresses your face as you gaze out over the city from the Mirador del Migdia. The golden sunset paints the panorama, transforming the terrace and picnic tables of the park into a surreal oasis of beauty, almost as if it were an echo of the poetry of Paul Éluard. The guide, his gaze brimming with untold stories, isn’t smoking. His cherished Toscano Antica Riserva rests behind his left ear. His eyes study the wonder reflected in yours, a subtle smile hinting at a shift in perspective. “Come on…, La Caseta del Migdia awaits us. French fries and nuts, but paired with grilled chicken sausage and a skewer—plenty of time to take stock of our author’s weekend. Magnificent view of the port, don’t you think?” exclaims the left-hander, his voice tied to this world. “We stand in the heart of Surrealism. Here, amidst the maze of streets rich with history and the vibrant energy in the air, this movement found fertile ground, shaping modern art with works that challenge perception and fuel imagination.” As his words linger, you walk slowly toward a secluded parking area. A midnight blue scooter sits discreetly, a small backpack secured to its rear rack. It catches your eye, sparking a question. But before you voice it, the left-hander meets your thought with his own.
“A Vespa 300ie,” he specifies, his satisfaction sparking an unspoken camaraderie. With a fluid motion, he settles into the front seat, and the metallic click of the key turning in the ignition signals the journey ahead. “An ideal travel companion,” he continues, his voice charged with enthusiasm. “Tomorrow, we’ll push past the city limits—two destinations await. Are you ready to embrace surprise and step into a world of unexpected wonders?” The hum of the scooter makes you realize you’re unsure how to hold on, but the Italian anticipates your hesitation, saving you from first-time awkwardness. “You can grip the driver, use the rear handles, or rely on the side footrests for balance. Keep your body aligned with mine, leaning slightly into turns.” Helmet secured, you settle onto the back seat, relaxing into the rhythm of the ride. “No need to plant your feet on the ground during stops or slow maneuvers—unless I tell you otherwise,” he reassures, as the scooter glides forward, carrying you into the promise of adventure. The rhythm of the scooter’s motion melds seamlessly with the memory of Louis Aragon’s surrealist poem, ‘There Are No Happy Loves,’ creating a surreal symphony of poetry and movement. As the cityscape unfolds before you, the melancholy weight of the poem settles in your mind, contrasting with the exhilaration of newfound freedom. With every turn, a subtle shift occurs: you are no longer a passenger, but a participant in an ever-evolving journey, where literature and experience intertwine. The warmth of the evening air carries the scent of grilled food from a nearby terrace, and for a fleeting moment, it seems as if the poet’s words intertwine with the world around you. The voice of your guide, steady and familiar, fills the space between thoughts, shaping the anticipation of tomorrow’s destinations. Surrealism lives in the unexpected, and as you let the rhythm of the journey carry you, a silent understanding takes hold: some moments are meant to be experienced, rather than explained.
As he speaks of the Mediterranean light that lights up the colors and defines the contours, you already imagine the rugged coastlines and the rugged, dreamlike mountains of the hinterland. The Vespa slows gently, almost as if to underline the importance of the place. With a broad gesture of the left hand, he points to an imposing building that dominates the top of the hill. “Here is the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya,” he announces in a tone that resonates with admiration. “It houses a priceless treasure of Catalan art, a fascinating journey that goes from the 11th to the 20th century. But don’t forget,” he adds with a hint of emphasis, “its extraordinary collection of Romanesque art, one of the most complete in the world.” The scooter’s engine starts vibrating again, bringing you back to the dynamic rhythm of the city. The city continues to unveil its artistic soul, revealing a new layer of creativity, history and inspiration at every turn. As you walk past the MACBA, the splendor of contemporary art lingers in your thoughts, while the promise of Dalí masterpieces at the Reial Cercle Artístic fuels your anticipation. The guide’s voice, full of admiration, sets the stage for an encounter with Surrealism that will leave an imprint far beyond the confines of the museum. Yet as this unfolding journey unfolds, another echo emerges from the readings: Robert Desnos’s haunting lines of ‘I Dreamed So Much of You.’ His poetry, deeply surreal and painfully intimate, speaks of desire, dreams and the blurred line between imagination and reality. Like Desnos, you find yourself trapped between dreamscapes: one rooted in literature, the other in the very streets you walk through. Barcelona is not just a destination; it is a canvas where art, poetry and discovery intertwine. And with the buzz of the Vespa beneath you, it feels like the journey has just begun.
Your Vespa ventures into the narrow streets of Carrer de Montcada. ‘Right here in front,’ the guide indicates with a nod, ‘faces the Picasso Museum. Not one, but five splendid Gothic-era palaces, joined together to house an extensive and precious collection of masterpieces by countless artists, with a particular focus, of course, on the genius of Picasso.’ The engine’s roar intensifies as the scooter gradually picks up speed, allowing you to fully absorb the information that the guide is passionately sharing with you. ‘And now…,’ he proclaims with a hint of solemnity in his voice, ‘…we are approaching Antoni Gaudí’s world-famous and still unfinished church, the Sagrada Família. A work that defies time and imagination, begun at the end of the 19th century. When you have the chance to return,’ he suggests in an almost confidential tone, ‘allow yourself time for a visit to its museum. Believe me, the panoramic view of the city of Barcelona from up there is an emotion you won’t easily forget. We are about to reach the Hotel Praktik Garden. I’ve taken care of booking two rooms for our stop here, before arriving in Angles. But,’ the guide adds with an enigmatic smile, ‘when you return to Barcelona at the end of our journey, you will fully understand the advantages of a well-considered booking.’ A Surrealist poem by Benjamin Péret, ‘The smells of love,’ accompany you into sleep. The morning sun casts a golden glow over the landscape as the Vespa hums along the road to Anglès. At the halfway mark, your guide gestures toward a winding path disappearing into thick forest. “That road leads to Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor,” he says, “a breathtaking hilly retreat, filled with trails weaving through dense woods. If you’re up for it, you could explore a mountain bike route on your way back to Barcelona.” Upon arrival, he turns to you, eyes flickering with a quiet thrill, as if unveiling a secret. “To truly grasp Surrealism,” he begins, voice lowered as if sharing something sacred, “you must go beyond admiring completed works. It’s about forging a personal connection with the land that shaped the vision of its creators. Figueres may be Dalí’s birthplace, but this region—with its untamed, dreamlike beauty—held a silent yet profound sway over his artistic mind. Anglès stands as a testament to that influence.” The place seems to breathe with its own rhythm, its landscapes whispering echoes of inspiration. You take in the wild contours, wondering what fragments of Dalí’s imagination were first sparked by scenes just like these.
Compared to the dynamism of Barcelona, there is a more contemplative atmosphere here. Angles offer a quieter and more reflective environment. ‘This atmosphere,’ you think, walking alongside the left-handed man, ‘can foster a deeper and more personal connection with the themes of Surrealism, such as the unconscious, dreams and inner contemplation. Walking through these silent streets, exploring the surrounding nature, evokes feelings of estrangement and wonder, precisely those present in surrealist works.’ You observe the wild and rugged landscapes of the Empordà, not far from Angles, with its bizarrely shaped rocks, hidden coves and particular light, recurring elements in surrealist painting. Visiting Angles offers you a direct immersion in the type of natural environment that shaped Dalí’s imagination. “For our farewell to Catalan Surrealism, before immersing ourselves in the universe of Figueres, we will treat ourselves to a regenerating experience at Masia Can Pou, an oasis of tranquility where the rustic charm of tradition blends with contemporary comforts. A restaurant that promises delights for the palate, an oasis of peace where we can discover how even the scents and flavors can intertwine the threads of our travel memories!” Dinner promises to be a symphony of local flavours: a delicate buffalo mozzarella from the Empordà pastures, wrapped in the sweet intensity of sun-dried tomatoes and the vibrant saltiness of anchovies. What you thought would be a simple evening turns into an unexpected sensory experience, culminating in a tender lamb from the Llemena Valley, enhanced by the light bitterness of turnip tops. Your left-handed, seemingly a true connoisseur, insists that you try a carpaccio of candied figs. “A real rarity,” he adds with a twinkle in his eye, to underline its sweetness. “A touch of freshness with the Ripollès sheep’s cheese ice cream.” As he pours you a glass of Garnacha Blanca, he continues expertly: “A dry wine, enlivened by a pleasant acidity. On the nose, you will discover an intriguing aromatic bouquet, a true olfactory journey. You might even detect delicate notes of white-fleshed fruit, hints of ripe yellow fruit and a subtle, unexpected mineral scent.”
You’ve finished dinner, you go out into the courtyard with your guide and look at the night sky. “Midnight blue, just like your Vespa,” you tell him. You want to know more. “Why that color?” you dare ask. “This area is known for its fruit trees; in spring they offer white and pink flowers, like cherry and pomegranate,” he clarifies, lighting his cigar. You are surrounded by forests of oaks, holm oaks and pines, shrubs and Mediterranean scrub. As your guide continues speaking, you are inhaling the scent of rosemary, thyme and oregano, wild fennel and lavender. “The color of my Vespa? I hope it depends on Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night Over the Rhone’, Miró’s constellations, Klee’s nocturnal atmospheres and Armani blue.” Interrupted by the gentle rustling of leaves, the silence of the starry night envelops the garden. The smell of the unlit cigar has dissipated, giving way to the nocturnal scents of vegetation, to glances that cross and to a silent agreement that needs no words. In your eyes you read the same determination: “The dawn will call me soon”. A vivid image forms in your mind: “I will be ready for a new adventure, the morning breeze that will caress my face again and mix with the beauty of this surreal night”. Whizzing along on your Vespa, in fifty minutes you will find yourself in the heart of Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. Accompanied by the passionate voice of your guide, you will discover the unmissable places of Surrealism. “Get ready to cross the threshold of the Dalí Theatre-Museum,” introduces the left-handed man with a tone of reverent expectation. “The surrealist sanctuary par excellence, a total work of art shaped by the visionary mind of Dalí on the remains of the old municipal theatre. It houses the most varied collection of Dalí’s works.” As you continue your exploration, you will discover that, although not a museum, Dalí’s birthplace is of crucial importance to understanding the context in which his imagination began to germinate. In the Church of Sant Pere, where the young Salvador was baptized, you will perceive the echo of his family and his religious environment. In addition to these iconic places, your guide will reveal how a simple stroll through the streets of Figueres can become an immersive experience. A light touch on the arm distracts you from your thoughts; it is your guide who suggests a further revelation. “Although it is not dedicated to Surrealism,” he adds with a knowing smile, “the Toy Museum of Catalonia is a stop that will remind you of how Dalí himself had a special affinity for the boundless realm of children’s imagination.”
“Amazing Future”, soundtrack by FiftySounds, enriches your trip to Catalonia with an emotional and intellectual exploration of the places that have shaped some creative minds. You will get to know the pictorial Surrealism that explores the unconscious through unexpected juxtapositions, as well as dreamlike images that defy logic and conventional reality. This “Author’s Journey”, in particular, seeks a deeper connection between Salvador Dalí, his environment and his creative vision. His soft watches, symbol of the perception of time, were not something absolute, but rather fluid and relative. Drawing on his pictorial style, the artist Dastilige Nevante walks the streets of Barcelona, Anglès and Figueres. The art of both evokes playfulness and freedom, explores childhood, nature and the subconscious through symbolic images, but not only: it contains the memory of surrealist poems, the scent of Garnacha Blanca and thyme, since Mediterranean essences are also part of their imagination.
