Spain's Designers Dazzle Toronto

with Adrienne Lem

From August 9 to August 23, YTO’s fashionable Design Exchange houses the industrial design exhibition, BRAVOS: Groundbreaking Spanish Design. The exhibit was recently showcased in Los Angeles and Washington, and following it’s Toronto run, Barcelona-based curator, Juli Capella, will take it overseas to Europe and Asia. Supporting the most influential Spanish designers of the 21st century, Capella has selected 21 young artists to feature in the show.

Walking into the opening celebration for the Toronto showcase, I felt a tad out of place. As a travel writer, I thought to myself, “Why was I invited to a design and art event?” But amidst the crowd of diplomats, architects and interior design professionals, I spotted some travel agents and supplier reps, making me feel a little more at home. Also, the event was co-organized by the Embassy of Spain Tourism Section, so inevitably the travel industry and design industry were crossing paths.

According to Sara Sanchez, Public Relations Executive for the Embassy of Spain Tourism Section, this form of industrial design is popular in Barcelona, Bilbao and Andalucía. But apart from the unique design installations that filled the Design Exchange’s Trading Floor, Spain was in full representation at the party. Wines From Spain hosted the bar, which included Spanish beer for the non-wine drinkers. A chef served slices of mouthwatering Serrano ham atop crostinis and manchego cheese. I guiltily became a repeat visitor to that food station. And as guests mingled and enjoyed the art pieces about the room, a Spanish guitar recording played in the background.

“The exhibition is dedicated to the people and not the objects for one obvious reason,” said Capella. “Design used to be an anonymous discipline in which the most vital element was the final product. Today, the constant attention of the media has made the creator the centre of attention.”

Another thing that was the centre of attention that evening… Spain.