Artworks under the lens

Exploring Gran Avió by Riera i Aragó

Exploring Gran Avió by Riera i Aragó

The unexpected side of art has a trick of transporting us to places we may not have thought of, and Gran Avió by Riera i Aragó is one of those pieces that make you feel like you’re flying. This bronze sculpture has nothing to do with an airplane, it’s about freedom, dreams, and the artist’s imagination. So, let’s review what makes this art so special, and why it is being constantly talked about?

Who Was Riera i Aragó?

Riera i Aragó
Riera i Aragó

Riera i Aragó (born in Barcelona, in 1951) is a Spanish artist whose exciting and colorful work is famous. From the beginning of his painting career, he had won praise for his creative approach. He wasn’t afraid to go outside the usual courses and tried many types, from abstractions, surrealism, and expressionism to the layers.

Often his art breaks with the real and plays with the imagined. All of Riera’s works are vibrant and energetic, whether he is painting everyday objects or abstract thoughts. His adventurous spirit in his art has made him one of the most interesting of his time.

FUN FACT: Riera i Aragó once revealed that he used to sketch airplanes and submarines as a kid—his childhood imagination never really left him.

His Career

Begun as students of art in Barcelona at the Escola de Belles Arts, Riera i Aragó demonstrated quickly his wish to abandon conventional artistic styles. Throughout his years with art, he had tested out a variety of materials like oil and mixed media. From Spain, he made the journey around galleries across Europe where his work was widely acclaimed.

Throughout his evolution, his work became more complex, but never lost the element that was always there—an exploration of color, form, and human experience. 

What Is Happening in Gran Avió?

Gran Avió
Gran Avió
Artist Riera i Aragó
Date Created1990s
MediumBronze
GenreAbstract Sculpture
PeriodContemporary Art
DimensionsAbout 2 meters in length
Series / VersionsPart of Riera i Aragó’s Aviation Series
Where is it housed?Barcelona, Spain

As soon as you see Gran Avió, you know it was meant to fly.  Here’s the thing: It’s not flying anywhere.  It’s a big, bold piece in bronze that’s like an airplane, but in a very simple way. Its simplicity cuts out the technical stuff and lets us focus on the feeling of the airplane.

The surface of the sculpture has that patina (that’s the greenish, worn-out color) that makes it feel old. There is almost a feeling as if the artist wanted to capture the feeling of flight, without the noise and distraction.

What’s So Special About Gran Avió?

Now, what makes Gran Avió unique? First, it’s the material—bronze. The sculpture feels timeless, almost historical, and shiny metal reinforces that. When you see it, it’s almost like you can feel the cold of the metal and it makes it feel real and not abstract.

The sculpture is very huge, and that makes you small, like the impression you have when you stand under the wing of a real airplane. It’s not about showing all the details of a plane, it’s about how to feel that aircraft.

Why Gran Avió Feels Like More Than a Sculpture?

You stand beside Gran Avió and know it’s more than just an art piece. It’s a feeling. It makes you feel things you can’t write down. It brings back some of us the joy of flying, and the adventure of flying. For others, it’s a symbol of the human need for things beyond what’s possible.

The sculpture feels like it’s still moving, which is amazing. It may not exactly, but the way it’s built gives you the feeling that it’s about to self-destruct. 

Interesting Facts About Gran Avió

A Childhood Dream: Riera i Aragó has said that he’s always been fascinated by machines, especially airplanes. Gran Avió is a tribute to that fascination, a piece of art that brings that childhood wonder to life.

The Look of Age: The patina on Gran Avió isn’t random. It’s carefully designed to give the sculpture a look like it’s been through many flights. It tells the story of time and travel.

Simple Yet Powerful: Gran Avió doesn’t focus on tiny details. Instead, it’s all about the big picture—the idea of flight. Its clean lines make it easy for anyone to connect with it, no matter their background.

Artwork Spotlight: Entitled

Entitled
Entitled

Entitled by Riera i Aragó is available on Singulart. This artwork blends elements of both the sea and the sky. It’s playful and unexpected, much like his other works.

Are you looking for a piece of artwork from Riera i Aragó?

Singulart has limited edition prints of Riera i Aragó. If you are looking for a piece of Aragó’s artwork for sale, simply click on the artwork or the button below to discover more!

FAQs

1. What is Riera i Aragó best known for?

Riera i Aragó is best known for his bold and imaginative paintings, many of which investigate themes of flight, discovery, and modern progress. 

2. Where can I view Riera i Aragó’s work?

His works are in the private collections and galleries of Europe. You can also check out his art in various museums, including ones in Barcelona, his hometown.

Conclusion

Gran Avió is giving us a moment to pause in a world with busy schedules and fast-moving lives. This gets us thinking about how we relate to machines, not just as tools but as vectors for whatever visions we carry. Riera i Aragó has a knack for creating a simple shape and turning it into a powerful story, getting us to think about what makes us tick.

So, the next time you’re dreaming of faraway places, think of Gran Avió. It’s not just a sculpture—it’s a glimpse into the freedom of flight.