Miro cocktail — Photo courtesy of Hotel Contessa
San Antonio's McNay Museum is a gem unto itself, yet features some of the most renowned artists of our time and times gone by. Their new exhibit, Miro: The Experience of Seeing showcases the works of Joan Miro. In particular, his innovative paintings and sculptures that were created in his later years are currently on display.
Joan Miro was a Spanish painter, ceramicist and sculptor known for his surrealist artwork. Born in Barcelona in 1893, Miro earned international acclaim for his unconventional painting. He spoke out against conventional methods that supported bourgeois society.
The Exhibit
The Miro exhibit at the McNay features over 50 incredible paintings, sculptures and drawings. These pieces come from the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia in Madrid.
The exhibition's paintings and sculpture explore the art-making process, the basis of much of Miro's output since his earliest works. In his aim to expand beyond the concept of easel painting, the pictorial space is enlarged across expanded canvas fields. Miro's goal is one of simplicity and emptiness.
He assembled found objects and added techniques including modeling and bronze casting. Miro continually adapted his expressive medium, developing a process of "intervention-reaction" in the numerous series that he worked on for extensive periods.
The McNay's exhibition of his work is the last one before these magnificent art pieces return to their permanent home in Spain. The exhibit is on display from now until January 10, 2016.
Cork Bar — Photo courtesy of Hotel Contessa
The Miro Cocktail
Even the city's mixologists are inspired by the breadth of creativity of Miro's paintings. Hotel Contessa's Cork Bar is celebrating with a signature cocktail developed by resident mixologist, Hector Vargas. The cocktail, named Spanish Gold, is a masterpiece in and of itself.
In addition to Cinco Vodka, Spanish Gold includes Licor 43 / Cuarenta y Tres, which is considered an iconic Spanish liquor created in Cartagena in the early 20th century. It's still produced on the Mediterranean shore by the Zamora family and has been exclusively since 1946.
Spanish Gold offers a delightful kick of chili that comes from the Ancho Reyes, but as it's a moderate heat, it's safe for most palates. You'll also notice hints of spices such as tamarind, plum and cacao. Not only is this drink tasty, but it's topped with playful drizzles inspired by Miró’s colorful, abstract paintings, such as Woman, Bird and Star, which is Miro's homage to Picasso.
You can enjoy this drink anytime during the months of the exhibit for only $12 at the Hotel Contessa's stunning Cork Bar, which is located downtown along the River Walk. It's a great place to relax and grab a few drinks before or after viewing the exhibit, or frankly, anytime during your stay in San Antonio!
