On the north side of the city, across the street from the Turia gardens, is the IVAM. This stands for “Institut Valencià d’Art Modern”, and even from the outside one can tell this is not just another office building. The long posters and large IVAM icon grab your attention and set the stage for the wide open space inside inhabited solely by art that errs on the side of minimalism. Walking in, the first thing I noticed was the harp-shaped, warm-coloured string display which stretched from the first floor to the second in an impressive column of illusive colours. I checked in at the front desk—tickets are free for students who can present a school ID—and began to explore.
In my exploration, I stumbled upon a lab. Curious, I entered the room with wooden structures that fit together like puzzle pieces. A woman greeted me at the door and explained that this was a room where children could come and play, dream up uses for all the different pieces there, and let their imagination run wild. She asked that I take off my shoes before going past the doorway to keep the children who would play on the floor safe. I obliged and explored the sets of toys and structures, recognizing the usability of each and how it could correspond to all the age groups that may come in.
Julio González is the main artist of the museum, with his many works displayed in several rooms on the first floor. He made drawings and sculptures throughout the mid-20th century, and each of the ones on display is expertly laid out so viewers can observe from every angle. With sculptures made of bronze or terracotta, González captures busts, realistic figures, or completely abstract images that he calls one thing, but the viewer can see as another.
Another section of the museum is dedicated to the work of Maren Hassinger, whose pieces felt even more abstract than the predecessor González. Taking sticks and winding them together, filling bags with coloured water and letting them sit, painting a wall with the same image over and over—these are only some of the ideas she brought to fruition that are on display. Perhaps the most intriguing is her untitled work, where she strung lots of pink plastic bags onto a wire, which is tethered from one side of the room to the other. There they hang, casting a pinkish glow throughout the room.
Similar to the section for González’s art, Hassinger’s collection took up several rooms, each connected by a large door frame with no door, so I could always see what was in the next room before I went in. Though modern art may not be for everyone, the IVAM promises such a diverse collection that it is hard not to find something you like.
Report by Fiona Pacious
IVAM
C/ de Guillem de Castro, 118
Ciutat Vella
46003
Open from 10 am to 7 pm every day except Mondays.
Free entry on Sundays
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