Balenciaga and his inspiration from Spanish painting.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum (Thyssen for short) is an art museum in Madrid, Spain, located on one of the city's main avenues. Thyssen is one of the three largest museums in Madrid and is part of the city's famous "Golden Triangle."

The magnificent exhibition "Balenciaga and Spanish Painting" at the Thyssen Museum officially opened on June 18th and will run until September 22nd. It showcases countless creative masterpieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga – works through which he seems to have created a vibrant conversation between fashion and painting.

When people mention Cristóbal Balenciaga, they always talk about designs that broke all the rules with unconventional cuts and tailoring that were ahead of their time. He created a new definition of form in women's fashion in the 1950s, eliminating boring silhouettes with historically significant innovations.

Cristóbal's tailoring is legendary, and his influence from sculpture and architecture has given him a distinctive way of thinking. This is clearly evident in his exquisite cuts, versatility, and superb proportions. It is said that any woman who wears a suit tailored by Cristóbal is unlikely to be satisfied by any other tailor.

This brilliant fashion designer has often drawn inspiration from Spanish paintings to create his garments. So, exactly how have Spanish art influenced Balenciaga's designs?

In 1936, at the age of 41, Cristóbal Balenciaga embarked on a pivotal journey: leaving Spain for Paris to pursue his career. Living amidst the glitz and glamour of the City of Lights, Balenciaga deeply missed his homeland.

Amidst the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Balenciaga abruptly changed the course of his career in his middle age and plunged into the throes of European haute couture. He sought inspiration by delving into his childhood memories of the small town of Getaria on the Basque coast – where he spent much of his time at his mother's company (she was a seamstress), and serving her aristocratic clients.

Spanish painting has always been magnificent and philosophical; remembering one's homeland means remembering its artistic heritage. With his exceptional talent and craftsmanship, Balenciaga has elevated fashion in a remarkable way by reinterpreting works of art in his most iconic clothing collections.

The influence of Spanish painting and culture is consistently present in Balenciaga's works. The simple, minimalist lines, under the influence of religion and architectural style, can be found in many of his designs: the layered folds like rolling waves in a Falmenco dancer's dress, the pleated lace details on some outfits, the shimmering reflections on a bullfighter's suit, the dazzling sequin embroidery on a Bolero jacket, or the aesthetic of Habsburg court attire, frequently seen in black velvet garments embellished with elegant black trim…

The Basque designer has constantly studied the history of painting, and it must be said that he knows how to make the most of what he has learned. This is clearly demonstrated in his strong and unique style throughout his career – even during his most liberal periods – reviving historical garments and presenting them in a remarkably modern way. Many of his designs bear the mark of great painters such as Zubarán, Velázquez, Goya, Zuloaga, and Picasso.

The exhibition also showcases a group of other important creative works by Balenciaga, some of which have never even been previously exhibited. These pieces are borrowed from a number of national and international museums, including the Balenciaga Museum in Guetaria, the Traje Museum in Madrid, other international institutions, and private collections.

“Balenciaga and Spanish Painting” is a rare opportunity, not only to admire the outstanding masterpieces of the design master, but also to appreciate a glimpse of Spanish painting art, as they are arranged in such an impressive way, creating a truly breathtaking combination.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Exhibition title: Balenciaga y la pintura Española (Balenciaga and Spanish painting)

Time: From June 18th to September 22nd

Location: Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain

For more information, please visit: https://www.museothyssen.org/

Phuong Anh