Antoni Yranzo
L'Antoni Yranzo is an artist forged in Poblenou. Born and raised in one of Barcelona's most industrial districts, this master sculptor has always been linked to the neighbourhood.
Born into a family of cabinetmakers located in the heart of Poblenou, some time ago Antoni inherited his father's workshop, a space that has marked his life both personally and professionally.
He explains that when he was a child he spent his summers at the cabinetmaker's learning the craft while his friends played at La Rambla. His, however, is not a touch of resentment but rather of gratitude for the artistic talent transmitted by his father.
In a way, we could say that Antoni has grown up with the neighbourhood. The artist went from designing exclusive furniture and lighting to focusing on creating organic sculptures that evoke natural silhouettes. An injury to his skull forced him to reinvent himself and after a period of convalescence, he had to rethink his line of work. As a result of this reflection, he created the Otokosmetal and wood figures that represent the social conscience of individuals.
Antoni's passion for Poblenou is so great that it has led him to bring together fragments of the neighbourhood in these small works. We can find, for example, Otokos sculpted around the cliffs of Carrer Pere IV, works that bear witness to a very turbulent historical and social reality in the neighbourhood. The union of art and history in this case has allowed him to capture moments of exaltation during the Spanish Civil War in a single sculpture.
As well as exploring different creative lines, Antoni has also worked on the recovery of the Yranzo workshop, a traditional artisan production space. With the help of his daughter Elsa, he has transformed the workshop in l'Espai Casamitjana 15A space that invites reflection on art and a gateway to all kinds of events.
At the same time, it has also joined the Taula de Creació, a body that vindicates Poblenou as a creative area and encourages synergies between traditional and new workshops.
For Antoni, evolution is an inherent fact. This vitalist, vitalist tone emanates from him and connects him with his interlocutors. To be awake, restless and open to new challenges for the future is a canon worthy of admiration. En prenem nota, mestre.
