At a glance
The lens shifts from a passive observer to an active, often unstable participant in these works, documenting political struggle and social shifts through the raw immediacy of video.
Meet the artist
Why go
This large-scale survey links the experimental cinema of Pere Portabella with grassroots community activism and recent international acquisitions, showcasing how moving images have shaped counter-information efforts since the late 20th century.
You'll see
Video-Nou grassroots projects · Experimental films by Pere Portabella · Community-led media · Han Nefkens Collection highlights · International video art
Pace of visit
The presentation involves numerous long-form screenings, making it a significantly slower and more stationary experience than a traditional painting exhibition.
Don't miss
The section dedicated to Pere Portabella, which illustrates his unique approach to the intersection of avant-garde aesthetics and political subversion.
Artlovers Tip
Because of the high volume of video content and long screening times, consider visiting the exhibition in two separate sessions or reviewing the programme in advance to prioritize specific works.
Inside the exhibition
The Act of Filming: Video in the MACBA Collection at the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona in Spain presents a deep dive into the museum's moving-image holdings. Rather than treating the camera as a neutral recording device, the exhibition highlights how artists and activists have used video as a political tool and a witness to social transformation.
Organised into three distinct chapters, the exhibition spans decades of media history. It features the pioneering community work of Video-Nou, the radical film language of Pere Portabella, and a diverse range of international works from the Han Nefkens video donation. The material ranges from grassroots counter-information tapes to polished contemporary installations.
This project is a significant examination of MACBA's identity, emphasizing the role of the archive in preserving dissident voices. By bringing together these specific historical and contemporary segments, the show provides a rare opportunity to see how the language of experimental cinema has evolved into a global medium for social critique.
Worth travelling for?
A rigorous and substantial project for those interested in the history of media activism and the boundary between art and political documentation.
Experience as an Artlover
Visitors should check the specific screening schedules at the museum, as the exhibition is organized into three principal chapters that unfold over several months until May 2027.
The Act of Filming: Video in the MACBA Collection
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