TM
conoceris New Visions on Spanish 20th Century Art
The Collection of Insight Journeys
2010
vel & arning
eriences
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WELCOME TO CONOCERIS
Fascination for learning. It´s my pleasure to introduce and welcome you to the Conoceris 2010 Insight Journeys Collection, a new concept for insightful learning that goes beyond traveling. How many times have you been fascinated with a subject, a place or a great personality and wanted to be more informed but found yourself unable to dedicate the time and effort that it would take?. Conoceris’ Insight Journeys are an excellent starting point for those who are constantly curious and retain a life-long delight in learning as well as an excitement for traveling.
Alhambra of Granada
Our journeys provide a unique way of learning combining the most up-to-date information delivered by reputed local scholars and offer selected itineraries that are off the beaten path.
We create true educational experiences in places where a subject can be observed first hand, discussed and debated. Our aim is to help you to become more expert and more knowledgeable through your own understanding. When traveling with Conoceris you will appreciate both an exciting and a lasting vacation experience and at the same time an unexpected but practical way to learn. Let us bring back the excitement of learning as you join us on the next Conoceris adventure.
Francisco Javier Navarro Founder & Managing Director Conoceris
► Conoceris is a not-for-profit foundation committed to creating the best learning experiences through travel.
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Travel & Learning
Learning is a means by which we give purpose to our lives and which strengthens us with a better understanding of the world around us. It also allows us to enrich our personalities and enables us to jump over hurdles in life.
Insight Journeys are sensational travel and learning experiences that start well in advance of traveling and have no end.
To achieve a truly beneficial learning experience we need to incorporate more dynamic perspectives and to interact with our environment. It’s necessary to change the pace by bringing one’s own knowledge and contrasting it with the lessons of real life. Traveling then becomes a huge opportunity to learn. But all too often any attempt at learning while traveling gets diverted because the emphasis is not on what you want to learn, but what the tour operator or trip planners have pre-planned for you. Traveling then becomes a racecourse in which you have little power to navigate or time to truly experience. Conoceris’ Insight Journeys are experiences where the ideas and concepts that you learn are turned into places, reflections and debates that you can see, listen to and grasp. This is the reason why we talk about journeys of discovery instead of a flat-out race across a tour. When traveling with us your destination is not a place, a resort or a show, but an inner journey that allows you to link what you are physically seeing, hearing and feeling with your innermost understanding of the complex nature of the world.
► Conoceris means knowledge (from Spanish verb, conocer ) and paths (from Latin noun, itineris). Our mission is create knowledge paths for you.
The Road to Santiago
Our life-long travel participants find that an Insight Journey is what makes a journey interesting and valuable. Join us on one of the knowledge paths that Conoceris has created for you.
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Our Difference We have added to a top-notch travel experience the luxury of learning from the best scholars in the subjects.
Cutting-edge knowledge Insight Journeys are in-depth experiences that rely on the most up-to date knowledge coming from the research community. This scientific knowledge is then adapted and brought to you by our journey directors so that everyone may be able to participate.
Personalization Insight Journeys are flexible learning experiences that can be tailored to your individual requeriments or to group interests. We take personal responsibility for every stage of your journey, sparing no effort to deliver the most inspired travel experience.
Reputed Scholars Insight Journeys are created and guided by outstanding scholars in their subjects. They are active participants in the research community and recognized experts in their respective fields.
Experiences From practical workshops to access to private places, Insight Journeys add experiences that are unique vehicles for practical learrning, often out of reach for average travelers.
Off-the-Beaten Path Itineraries Even though Insight Journeys visit most “must-see” sites at each destination, they are also focused on off-track itineraries that are not so obvious to the average tourist and that add real value to your learning experience. Limited editions Insight Journeys are limited to only a few trips each year. This allows the necessary time for our scholars to continue in the advancement in their specialized fields so that they are able to deliver a quality learning experience to you.
Research Conoceris is a not-for-profit foundation that aims to support research projects in a variety of subjects. Your participation contributes to our ability to support scholars’ research and improve future Insight Journeys. Partners Insight Journeys are fully crafted by the team of Conoceris. Additionally, we work directly with the local management at our destinations as well as leading travel companies whose goal is to deliver excellent quality and service.
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..... OF JOURNEY DIRECTORS MEET OUR JOURNEY DIRECTOR Our journey directors are the scholars that create sensational learning experiences that will inspire your understanding of our complex world.
Javier Perez is a Professor in the Department of History and Modern Art at Madrid Complutense University since 2008 where he also received a Ph.D with high distinction in History of Art in 1997. He has been researcher at international institutions such as the National Gallery of Art (Washington DC), the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, the Carnegie Museum of Art, as well as in Berlin and Munich. Javier is also the author of several books on modern art, is an art curator and a juried member in modern art showings. > Meet Javier in “Discovering Picasso: life, works and legend” & “New Visions on Spanish 20th Century Art” Javier Perez is a Professor in the Department of History and Modern Art at Madrid Complutense University since 2008 where he also received a Ph.D with high distinction in History of Art in 1997. He has been researcher at international institutions such as the National Gallery of Art (Washington DC), the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, the Carnegie Museum of Art, as well as in Berlin and Munich. Javier is also the author of several books on modern art, is an art curator and a juried member in modern art showings. > Meet Javier in “Discovering Picasso: life, works and legend” & “New visions on Spanish 20th century art”
Jesus Varela is a well-known and prominent scholar of Columbus and the History of Discovery to which he has dedicated most of his academic career. Since 1994 he is the Secretary General of the Institute of IberoAmerican and Portuguese Studies at Valladolid University where he is in charge of research and is also the Director of Casa de Colon in Valladolid. Jesus is the author of 20 books, 28 contributions to books and over 40 articles. Professor Varela has been widely recognized for his work and he has received distinctions in Spain and Portugal. Jesus holds a Ph.D. in History of America with high distinction in 1983 from Valladolid University. > Meet Jesus in “Columbus and the Discovery: in the footsteps of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea”
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Language
insight
NEW VISIONS ON SPANISH 20th CENTURY ART 14 days/ 13 nights Departure dates 2010: 04/21, 06/16, 09/15
The Great Masturbator, Dali
Spanish artists working in the period before 1945 exercised a major influence on artistic developments in the twentieth century. They were in the vanguard of the changes taking place in the art world, in style, in professional attitudes and in the place of the artist within society.
These particular characteristics of Spanish art favored the appearance in the mid-20th century, of Cubism, Informalism, Geometric Abstraction and Magical Realism, among other trends, running parallel to those in international art of the day.
Picasso was a key figure in this respect. With his succession of styles, he demonstrated the importance of artistic freedom. And his world famous Guernica was a penetrating commentary on the Spanish Civil War.
The new generations of Spanish artists of the second half of the 20th century took up the banner of their predecessors, while also incorporating new visual idioms characterized by a process of ongoing investigation and experimentation.
The stylistic evolution in Picasso’s work is also reflected in that of artists like Miro and Dali. After World War II, artists like Tapies, Chillida and Saura maintained the Spanish tradition: they were interested in Abstraction and Surrealism, both figurative and non-figurative.
The co-existence of all these names and trends within Spanish art is reflected in the harmonious dialogues and unique relationships seen in the museum’s galleries and cities, in which the mediums of painting and sculpture are combined.
WHY TRAVEL
BRIEF ITINERARY:
One of the main reason to come is the emphasis we place in the idea that Spain is not only one of the countries with a more spectacular historical and artistic past in the world, but also one of the big protagonists of the modern 20th century art movements.
Day 1: Arrival to Madrid
To show you this reality, we will take you to some of the greatest moments of Spanish art, from Catalan modernism to the informalism of the center of Spain as well as the contributions of Basque art. Of course an essential part of the journey is a deep review of the paths followed by its maximum representatives, artists like Dali, Picasso, Miro, or Tapies. But your experience would not be complete if you did not experience some of the most relevant architectural works produced by the Spanish artists of the 20th century. You will then appreciate how impactful their works are and the enormous vitality and originality they bring to this country.
Day 2: Madrid Day 3: Cuenca Day 4: Arganda- Madrid Day 5: Elciego & Bilbao Day 6: Bilbao Day 7: San Sebastian Days 8- 11: Barcelona Day 12: Figueras & Cadaques Day 13: Montserrat & Barcelona Day 14: Return to Madrid WHAT YOU LEARN Our experts will lecture you on these themes along the journey: • Spanish art until 1939: Picasso, Dali, Miro, cubism and surrealism. • The best collection of the 50s in Spain. • The contemporary sculptor in his place of work. • The brilliant architecture of Frank Gehry in Spain. • The museum: architecture of the spectacle.
Casa Batlló, Barcelona
• History of the Basque art of the 20th Century. • Chillida: the most universal Basque sculptor. • The modernist Barcelona: Gaudi and the public space.
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NEW VISIONS ON SPANISH 20th CENTURY ART • The modernist Barcelona: the private space. • Picasso’s painting, an overall view. • A palace for a dreamer: Joan Miro. • The Informalism: emotion written in the matter. • More recent practices of the contemporary art. • An eccentric genius called Dali. • Nature, religiousness and contemporary art. WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE Some of the museums and collections that you will have the opportunity to explore are the following: • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (MNCARS), Madrid. • Museo Español de Arte Abstracto (Spanish National Abstract Museum), Cuenca. • Fundición de Eduardo Capa, Arganda. • Frank Gehry´s Marqués de Riscal Winery, Elciego. • Museo Guggenheim, Bilbao. • Museo de Bellas Artes, Bilbao. • Txillida Leku, San Sebastian. • Museo Picasso, Barcelona. • Fundación Miro, Barcelona. • MACBA, Barcelona. • Fundacion Gala-Dali, Figueras.
Javier Perez
Journey Director
Spanish 20th century art is an inexhaustible source of surprises and a unique example of influences, originality and vigor. Nevertheless, for many people outside of Europe, Spanish art is little known. “New Visions of Spanish 20th Century Art” is a journey that will provide you with a rigorous background of information while at the same time allow you to live singular experiences away from the typical tourist circuits of the masses. The visit to places like Fundicion Capa will reinforce the cumulative value of the journey, as you will be able to witness the processes of metal work as it transforms into an artistic piece. And of course, we have not forgotten the architecture, where Spain has been a world leader, not only because is the birth place of geniuses such as Antonio Gaudi but because Spain has seen the construction of some of the best world architecture of the past few years.
• Museo de Arte Abadia, Montserrat. The journey will culminate with a visit to the spectacular Gaudi’s Barcelona, with his Sagrada Familia, Parque Güell and Casa Batllo.
I´m sure you won´t be able to experience such a wonderful and instructive mixture of modern painting, sculpture and architecture elsewhere in the world.
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SPANISH 20TH CENTURY ART ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival to Madrid
Day 8 Barcelona
Individual or group arrivals to Madrid. Check into the hotel and gather at the hall to meet your fellow travelers and your Journey director and tour leaders.
Take an early flight to Barcelona and begin with a day-long Modernism and Gaudi tour, visiting Sagrada Familia, Parque Guell and Casa Batllo. ♦ Lectures at Parque Guell and Casa Batllo. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Barcelona. Optional activities: Lunch at modernist Els Quatre Gats. Night tour “Modernist Barcelona”.
Day 2 Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for a visit to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (MNCARS). ♦ Lecture at MNCARS. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Madrid. Optional activities: Lunch at Restaurante La Bola. Afternoon “Madrid’s Walk of Art” tour.
Day 3 Cuenca- Madrid
After breakfast at the hotel depart for a trip to the world heritage city of Cuenca and visit the exceptional Spanish Museum of Abstract Art. ♦ Lecture at the Museum. After lunch, enjoy leisure time in the medieval city of Cuenca and ride back to Madrid. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Madrid.
Day 4 Arganda- Madrid Following breakfast enjoy a short trip to Arganda and see how the sculptors work at Fundicion Capa. ♦ Lecture at Fundicion Capa. In the afternoon, ride back to Madrid and enjoy leisure time in the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Madrid.
Day 5 Elciego- Bilbao An early departure brings you to Elciego and Frank Gehry’s stunning masterpiece of Marques de Riscal Hotel and the iconic 19th century winery. Later on continue to Bilbao for dinner and overnight at the hotel. ♦ Lecture at Marques de Riscal winery. Optional activities: Lunch at Asador Txisko in Elciego.
Day 6 Bilbao Start the day with a visit to the spectacular titanium masterpiece of Gehry`s Guggenheim Museum. ♦ Lecture at Guggenheim Museum. After lunch, enjoy seeing the outstanding works of modern artists at Bilbao´s Museum of Fine Arts. ♦ Lecture at the Museum. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bilbao.
Fundacion Joan Miro, Barcelona
Day 7 San Sebastian After breakfast ride to San Sebastian and the outdoor Chillida Leku collection of large-scale sculptures. ♦ Lecture at Chillida Leku. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in San Sebastian. Optional activities: Afternoon tour “San Sebastian old town and coast”.
Day 9 Barcelona
Your day begins with a visit to Barcelona’s Picasso Museum, home of a collection of more than 3,800 works. ♦ Lecture at Picasso Museum. Rest of the day is at leisure.Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Barcelona.
Day 10 Barcelona After breakfast your morning begins with a visit to Fundación Miró. Later on enjoy a pleasant stroll through the gardens and castle of Montjuich. ♦ Lecture at Fundacion Miro. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Barcelona. Optional activities: Lunch at 7 Portes Restaurant.
Day 11 Barcelona Your day is dedicated to some of the best Barcelona’s collections of modern art. The day starts with a visit to Fundacion Tapies, created by the artist to promote the study and knowledge of modern and contemporary art. ♦ Lecture at Fundacion Tapies. In the afternoon, enjoy the visit to the collection of Spanish and international modern artists at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). ♦ Lecture at MACBA. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Barcelona.
Day 12 Figueras- Cadaques Early depart to Figueras to visit Dali´s collections of works at Fundacion Dali, a unique compilation in terms of quantity and scope dating from all the periods of his life. ♦ Lecture at Fundacion Dali. In the afternoon, enjoy a pleasant stroll through the streets of cozy Cadaques, Dali´s inspirational village. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cadaques.
Day 13 Montserrat- Barcelona Your day begins with a trip to the abbey of Montserrat, located in a wonderful natural environment, and the visit to its rich Abbey Art Museum. ♦ Lecture at Montserrat Museum. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Barcelona..
Day 14 Trip back to Madrid
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Barcelona’s railway station for a high-speed trip back to Madrid. End of the journey.
* The places where lectures are held may vary depending on availability.
ITINERARY MAP
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Main Places You Will Explore Madrid- MNCARS The museum is internationally recognized for its excellent collection of Picasso’s works and Spanish modern art. Its most famous masterpiece is Picasso’s great painting Guernica.
Cuenca- Museo de Arte Abstracto Español Situated in the Hanging Houses, in a late-fifteenth-century medieval building, the museum exhibits a permanent collection of 129 paintings and sculptures by Spanish artists of various Abstract Generations.
Arganda- Fundicion Capa Fundicion Capa is closely associated with the Spanish contemporary sculpture. For decades, the artist has been working to make people being aware of this artistic discipline. He also closely collaborates with some of the most relevant sculptors.
San Sebastian- Chillida Leku This monographic museum is the culmination of one of the artist’s lifelong dreams and the perfect setting to enjoy the full magnitude of this internationally-known artist.
Barcelona- Museo Picasso The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a key reference for understanding the formative years of Picasso. The genius of the young artist is revealed through the more than 3,800 works that make up the permanent collection.
Barcelona- Fundacion Miro The Joan Miró Foundation is a major point of reference on the international art circuit. The Foundation’s collection currently comprises over 14,000 pieces and a collection of contemporary art formed as a tribute to Miro.
Elciego- Frank Gehry
Figueras- Fundacion Dali
Designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, the Marques de Riscal hotel is nestled in the “City of Wine”. Gehry´s second masterpiece in Spain, after Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum.
The Gala-Dalí Foundation manages various collections of works by Salvador Dalí, a unique compilation in terms of quantity, scope and depth. The entire collection is composed of thousands of objects dating from all the different periods of Dalí’s life.
Bilbao- Guggenheim Museum
Montserrat- Museum of Art
Designed by North American architect Frank O. Gehry, is a magnificent example of the most groundbreaking architecture to have come out of the 20th century for the exhibition of contemporary art.
Since the Monastery was restored in 1844, the museum has formed a valuable collection of works of artists such as Rusiñol, Miró, Picasso and Dalí and a representative sample of Catalan painting and French Impresionism from the middle of the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Hotels & Restaurants A selection that cultivate our philosophy of joining history, culture and modernity and the care for every detail.
Our hotels and restaurants provide an impeccable hospitality, elegant comfort and excellent levels of service. Among the hotels are extraordinary historical buildings which display original pieces that will support your own learning experience. Most of the hotels are located in the heart of the cities and within walking distance from the cultural sites and shopping areas. The rooms are designed to offer the most up-todate technological standards and business facilities for your communications. And for your relaxation and sport activities the hotels feature spa and fitness clubs.
In the restaurants our commitment is with the regional gastronomy as the essence of the culture and of the history of each location. You will enjoy the best of the yesterday and the today of the cuisine with dishes that are adjusted to each season. You will truly live a real experience for the senses. We always take care of your special health requirements, the vegetarian ones, the diabetics, and of those who want to enjoy the high gastronomy looking after of themself, but without having to resign anything.
QUESTIONS? Call Conoceris at + 34 91 678 26 07 or E-mail info@conoceris.com
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Groups & Tailored Programs A journey that may specially be tailored for your group to elevate your learning experience.
We work hand in hand with your alumni, society, academy, museum, not-for-profit, special interest group or employee rewards program. Conoceris’ travel management department creates unique learning experiences specially tailored for your group.
University departments and professors may participate in the tailoring of extension programs or curriculum course credits through our insightful and hands-on journeys. With us your students will meet your highest academic standards.
You may wish to extend a journey with new original themes or add an outstanding specialist to further enrich the learning experience. Our programs can be personalized for reduced or extended itineraries or to balance your group schedules.
Your journey begins with a phone call to one of our specialists, who will design and oversee your program from beginning to end. We can arrange for special access and opportunities for your group learning experience that no other organization can match.
The result is a carefully crafted distinctive insight journey perfectly tailored to your interests. Contact our Travel Specialist at + 34 91 678 26 07 for special groups requirements or E-mail info@conoceris.com
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Dates & Prices JOURNEY
New Visions of Spanish 20th Century Art
DAYS/ NIGHTS
PRICE FROM
STARTING DATES
14 / 13
Please ask
04/21, 06/16, 09/15
Note: Special dates and prices may apply to groups and tailored insight journeys. Please ask our travel specialist for specific conditions. * Prices may change to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
QUESTIONS? Call Conoceris at + 34 91 678 26 07 or E-mail info@conoceris.com
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Reservation Information Costs Include: All accommodations in hotels per jouney, museum and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, taxes, service charges, services of our guiding staff and journey directors and a complete pre-journey information,including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading. Not Included: Air transportation, extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff at your discretion. Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements. TERMS & CONDITIONS Guaranteed Departures: All departures are guaranteed being subject to a minimum number of passengers to operate, excepting only cases of force majeure and other circumstances beyond Conoceris control. Should the minimum number of passengers not be met, Conoceris will offer either modify the services of the original program to accommodate a smaller group or offer an alternative program. Should no alternative be suitable, Conoceris will offer a full refund of all monies received. Itineraries: Arranged itineraries are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Conoceris control. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. Conoceris also reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the program inclus2ions as it deems necessary or desirable. Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or transfer. The per person amount due is noted within this brochure. Early Arrival: Conoceris recommends that you arrive a day or two before the start of your program to allow time to relax and to prepare for the start of your program. Conoceris has negotiated special overnight rates so ask for details at time of booking.
Active Elements: On specified programs Conoceris will require notice if any participant has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or to other members of the selected program. Conoceris reserves the right to decline to accept anyone that it considers unsuitable due to fitness level. Should you have any questions or need any clarification about a specific program please ask for details at time of booking. Registration and Payment Schedule: For all programs in this brochure a deposit of $1,000 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 45 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation. Cancellation Charges: For all programs cancellations received 45 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a $600 per person/per program cancellation fee; 45–30 days, will be subject to 50% of program price and 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price. Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Ask about our comprehensive guest travel protection plan for a worry-free expedition. Claims and Refunds: Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the local destination company verifying the claim. Limits on Responsibility: Conoceris its employees, shareholders and directors and assigns does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation, hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant and other services from various independent suppliers. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result Conoceris is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person. In addition and without limitation, Conoceris is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services. Travelers assumes all such risks associated with participating in this trip.
fascination for learning.
For Reservations: Contact CONOCERIS (+34 91 678 2607) Reservation Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 2pm ET
FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE SEND: Your name: Journey title:
Starting date:
Conoceris Avda Via Lactea, 3 28830 Madrid- Spain Phone: +34 91 678 26 07 Fax: +34 91 655 54 46 E-mail: reservations@conoceris.com
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For reservations and/or quotes, please fax this form to +34 91 655 54 46; Version as of 02/23/2010