Gaudi’s Sun

Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), a Spanish architect from Catalonia, was one of the greatest pioneers of 19th-century architecture. Gaudí’s works have a highly individualized style, defined by his unique compositions, organic shapes, and kaleidoscopic designs. They transcend not only mainstream modernism, but traditional art forms. Gaudí was particularly admired by surrealist and abstract expressionist painters, as well as sculptors.

His use of colourful mosaics was part of his trademark style and created unique patterns on his sculptures all across the city of Barcelona. Perhaps Gaudí’s most-loved contribution is Park Güell, a vibrant garden filled with his art. Reproduced here is a section of a mosaic sun on the ceiling of the park’s Hypostyle Room, alongside the abstract lines from his chimney pots at the Casa Milà building. Gaudí’s last work of civic architecture, Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera) represented a break with the conventions of his day, designed as a totally undulating building with a beating heart like a living being.

Gaudí’s fascination with the geometry of nature stemmed from his deep religious devotion, seeing the organic lines as a form of divine creation. As Gaudi said: “Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator.” With this design, we celebrate Gaudí’s vision and the sense of heaven on earth he created for us all to enjoy.