Projection mapping by Sofia Crespo illuminates Casa Batlló in Barcelona

On Saturday night, the modernist Casa Batlló building on Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia became the canvas for Argentine audiovisual artist Sofia Crespo’s projection mapping work titled ‘Structures of being’. 

Hundreds of spectators gathered to view the projection, which, according to the artist, was inspired by nature and life and aimed at creating a dialogue between her work and the famous modernist building designed by Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí.  

Rich in textures, creatures, and natural phenomena, the mapping was accompanied by music composed by Robert M. Thomas.  

Sofia Crespo told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that the project “is very special”, because it is also “a homage” to Barcelona. 

The audiovisual artwork consists of different sections projected during the ten-minute mapping. It includes natural elements such as the oceans, invertebrates, and other living beings like birds. The idea was to recreate the references that Gaudí used, according to Crespo, who added that creating the artwork was a challenge both “technically and artistically”. 

Although this is not Crespo’s first project in Barcelona, the artist stressed that the experience of creating and projecting ‘Structures of being’ was particularly unique: “As an artist, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do a project on a building that is on the Unesco World Heritage List,” said the artist. 

The facade of the Casa Battló has previously been used as a backdrop for a live NFT audiovisual projection in 2022.   

The projection is sponsored by the world’s largest audiovisual trade show ISE, which kicks off its 20th edition on Tuesday 30 in Barcelona. ‘Structures of being’ is also part of Barcelona’s 2024 light festival, Llum BCN, which will run between February 2 and 4. 

The projection mapping can be seen again on Sunday evening, every 30 minutes from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm.