Francesc d’A. Galí. The Invisible Master
Francesc d’Assís Galí i Fabra (1880–1965), a key figure in 20th‑century Catalan art, was a painter, muralist and teacher of artists such as Joan Miró. He stood out for his work on the dome of the Palau Nacional, where he depicted 35 allegorical figures, and for his contribution to the 1929 International Exposition. Despite his influence, Galí chose a discreet role, working in the background and showing little concern for his legacy. The exhibition at the MNAC seeks to highlight his contribution and explore the Museum’s origins within the framework of the expansion project leading up to the centenary of the 1929 Exposition.
A key figure in 20th‑century Catalan art
Francesc Galí was one of the great renovators of art and art education in Catalonia during Noucentisme, the early-20th‑century Catalan cultural movement. Formed within the same intellectual circle as Pompeu Fabra, he promoted a new way of teaching art through his own Escola d’Art Galí and the Escola Superior dels Bells Oficis (Higher School of Fine Crafts), both active during the period of the Commonwealth of Catalonia. Among his students were such notable names as Joan Miró and Llorens Artigas.
In addition to being a teacher, Galí was a versatile artist: painter, draughtsman, muralist, poster artist and illustrator. He trained with masters such as Santiago Rusiñol and Alexandre de Riquer, and his work spans the major movements of Catalan modernity: Modernisme, Symbolism, Noucentisme and the avant‑garde. Among his most notable creations are the dome of the Palau Nacional and the posters for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.
Despite his influence, Galí chose to remain in the background, giving prominence to his pupils and setting aside personal recognition. The Spanish Civil War deepened this anonymity even further.
This exhibition seeks to reclaim and highlight the legacy of a master who, despite not wishing to leave a trace, left a profound mark on 20th‑century Catalan art.
