The covers of 'The Barcelonian' arrive at Diagonal Mar

The covers of The Barcelonian, regularly published by The New Barcelona Post, have invaded Diagonal Mar. In a display window on the third floor of the shopping center, the illustrations of this imaginary weekly magazine, which aims to pay tribute to the city that gives it its name, have been hung. The exhibition features a selection of 15 works.

"With The Barcelonian, we are committed to art that invites reflection and participation. This exhibition not only redefines Diagonal Mar's cultural space but also establishes an open and sincere dialogue with our community," says the shopping center's manager, Sonia Contreras. "The diversity of voices and perspectives captured in The Barcelonian challenges stereotypes and invites us to rethink what it means to be from Barcelona," adds illustrator Luisa Vera, promoter of this artistic initiative.

It all started during lockdown. Rereading old issues of The New Yorker, Vera began to draw how she saw a confined city, with masks and restrictions, and a lot of boredom. The illustrations began to be published on social media in mid-2020. From there, it grew, adding more artists when Vera had already told everything.

With COVID increasingly assimilated, The Barcelonian began to open up to other themes, always giving creative freedom to illustrators to express their point of view and with the sole premise of having to talk about the Catalan capital, regardless of their style or experience.

Before being exhibited in Diagonal Mar, the illustrations have been seen in Illa Diagonal, the Agustí Centelles Library, and Casa Seat. The artistic initiative also published its first book, which collected the first 100 fictional covers. For almost a year now, its covers have been published in The New Barcelona Post, accompanied by a micro-story.

In addition to liking the covers on Instagram or consulting them in The New Barcelona Post, prints of the covers can be purchased through Factoria Cultural Martínez. Prices range from 25 to 100 euros depending on the size.