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| Modernisme was extremely popular in art and architecture in Catalonia during the time of the Renaixença (Renaissance). Architects such as Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch and others were the driving force behind the movement. Domènech i Montaner (1849-1923) in particular played an important role in defining architectural Modernisme in Catalonia. The painters held in high regard include Ramon Casas, Isidre Nonell and Santiago Rusiñol (who organised the Modernista festivals in Sitges in the late 19th century). The Modernistes believed in the creative imagination as the wellspring of symbols, in contrast with the Eclectics, who saw art as an objective depiction of reality. In fact Modernisme around the world, and in particular in Catalonia, represented the liberty to create previously unaccepted forms as art was freed from its academic constraints. Catalan Modernisme not only reflects the rich ornamentation common to all Art Nouveau, but also reveals the interest of the time in safeguarding and improving traditional construction and decorative techniques by using old materials such as brick alongside others that were new at the time, including iron, as well as new techniques in ceramics. |
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