“The Prawn” sculpture in Barcelona (Spain)
$ 30,00
Description
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Taken on: September 10, 2023
Format: JPEG
File size: 7.1 MB
Dimensions: 4096 x 3072 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus
Photo can be used in posters, brochures, magazines, websites, blogs, business cards, applications, social media branding, packaging, postcards, notebooks, invitation backgrounds, flyers, banners, badges, stickers, collages, booklets, illustrations, etc.
Photo can be used in applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe Express, Adobe After Effects, GIMP, Photopea, Krita, Pixlr E, Pixlr X, Paint.NET, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Capture One Pro, Luminar Neo, Pixelmator Pro, ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate, Affinity Designer, Procreate, Sketch, etc.
Iconic “The Prawn” Sculpture, Barcelona
Capture the vibrant spirit of Barcelona with this stunning digital photograph featuring the iconic “The Prawn” sculpture by Javier Mariscal. This unique artwork, prominently displayed along the Port Vell waterfront, is a whimsical and memorable landmark that embodies the city’s artistic flair.
The photograph beautifully showcases the large, reddish-brown prawn sculpture, seemingly crawling atop a wooden pergola, against a clear blue sky. In the background, the distinctive architecture of Barcelona and lush palm trees are visible, hinting at the lively atmosphere of the city. The warm sunlight highlights the textured surfaces of the sculpture and surrounding structures, creating an inviting and dynamic scene.
This digital download is perfect for:
- Website backgrounds or banners: Add a touch of Barcelona’s charm to your personal or business website.
- Digital art displays: Showcase this unique piece of public art on your smart TV or digital photo frame.
- Social media content: Enhance your posts with an eye-catching image from a beloved European city.
- Presentations and reports: Incorporate a memorable visual element into your projects.
- Creative projects: Use as a distinctive backdrop or element in graphic design work.
Bring a piece of Barcelona’s unique artistry and sunny disposition into your digital collection with this captivating image.
“The Prawn,” locally known as “La Gamba de Mariscal” or “Gambrinus,” is a large, whimsical sculpture located on the Moll de la Fusta (Wooden Pier) in Barcelona’s Port Vell area. It’s an iconic piece of public art designed by the renowned Spanish artist and designer Javier Mariscal.
- Appearance: The sculpture depicts a stylized prawn or lobster, typically characterized by its reddish-brown or bronze-like color. It’s notably large, around 10 meters (33 feet) long, and has an almost cartoonish, friendly appearance, complete with what some describe as a smiling expression. Interestingly, while commonly called “The Prawn,” Mariscal intentionally gave it lobster claws, adding to its unique and somewhat playful character.
- Material and Construction: Made from fiberglass, the sculpture was crafted by the Fallas master Manolo Martín, under Mariscal’s design. Its surface often appears textured, and its metallic sheen can reflect the sunlight, creating a dynamic visual effect.
- Setting: “The Prawn” is dramatically positioned atop a wooden pergola, which was originally part of the Gambrinus seafood restaurant. This elevated placement makes it highly visible against the sky and the backdrop of Barcelona’s waterfront. The surrounding area includes palm trees and urban architecture, characteristic of the city’s lively port.
- Artistic Style: The sculpture embodies Javier Mariscal’s distinctive artistic language, which is synthetic, expressive, and often draws from the world of comics. His work is known for its bold lines, exaggerated features, and a sense of movement and liveliness. Mariscal is also famous for designing Cobi, the mascot for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, and his playful style is evident in both creations.
- History and Purpose: “The Prawn” was inaugurated in 1989 and initially served as a decorative element for the Gambrinus restaurant, which aimed to be a prominent gastronomic and leisure spot in the renovated Moll de la Fusta. The sculpture was a clever way to bypass signage restrictions at the time, becoming a memorable emblem for the establishment. After the restaurant closed, the Barcelona City Council recognized its artistic and symbolic value, acquiring and restoring the sculpture. It was reinstalled in its original location in 2004, becoming a beloved and permanent fixture of the city’s waterfront.
- Meaning and Significance: Beyond its initial function as a restaurant marker, “The Prawn” has evolved into a popular symbol of Barcelona’s maritime heritage, its connection to seafood cuisine, and its vibrant, artistic identity. Its whimsical nature adds a touch of charm and playfulness to the urban landscape, making it a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike to photograph and enjoy. It represents the city’s successful urban and cultural transformation in the lead-up to the 1992 Olympics and continues to remind residents of that exciting period in Barcelona’s history.