The world is a dark and demented place. It is full of light and possibilities. Although those two statements contradict each other, Coleccion Solo points the gun at ourselves, our contradictions, the dark and demented world, and even the best and most modern technology. This fun and unusual art collection is one of many free museums in Madrid, but it is also tough to get in. You have to schedule a time to visit, and they fill up quickly.
Due to how the artwork is displayed, they only allow smaller groups. The group I was in had maybe 20 or so.
Add Coleccion Solo to the list of free museums in Madrid
I should mention that the artwork changes by season, so the artwork I saw will be different from the artwork you see. But regardless, the artwork is amazing.
Some of it is delicate and looks more like decoration than artwork.
For instance, the toy-sized Pinocchio, lying on the ground with a nose so long it touches the ceiling.
The museum docent walked by and asked us to be careful not to accidentally step on Pinocchio as he is holding the building up with his foundation of lies. I thought it was interesting and excellently put. After all, we all come from families who lie to us, partners who don’t tell us the entire truth, and countries where the lie is “better” than the truth. It made me think, and that’s what art is supposed to do.
This artwork also holds some impressive pieces from Kaws and other renowned artists from all over the world and drawings of monsters with long dangling penises, and so much more.
Protection No Longer Assured
In the wake of nuclear war, you are rushed to the nearest bomb shelter. This cold, concrete room is made to ensure your protection from the chaos outside. However, once you’re inside, you realize you’ve entered a bomb storage facility, not a shelter, with an image of a nuclear bomb exploding and the words Protection No Longer Assured painted on it. Would you feel comfortable in this room?
Although the painting that ultimately took the name of this art exhibition aimed to illuminate other troubled times in history, it is also meant to provoke different emotions in individuals.
Another good piece is a distorted human face with mirrors for its mouth and eyes, with an Instagram frame aimed at people like you and me who use social media for everything. I mean, who are we? Social media doesn’t really mean a thing, yet we act like it does.
The Painting that struck a nerve
The painting that struck me the most was one of nuclear winter in the background and a couple of friends having a picnic in the foreground. The image is meant to make a statement against indifference, which I am guilty of. I am indifferent because sometimes I am too busy working and exhausted by the end of my day to watch the news. But does that make me a bad person? Maybe it does? My anxiety and self-loathing go beyond indifference. Sometimes, I just want to be happy and hide in a cave. Is that so wrong?
It’s different for everyone, so don’t be alarmed by my harsh words and feelings above.
Coleccion Solo is great, and it’s also great that you get a museum docent to educate you on each work of art. It brings each piece to life.
Coleccion Solo is Worth It
Check out this museum if you’re looking for something free and unique. Although, as far as spaces go, Neomudejar is a better space, Coleccion Solo had some very interesting pieces I think everyone should see.
Let’s Break it down:
One of the best free museums in Madrid is Coleccion Solo.
It’s hip and unique. It borders on trendy. The collection is an attempt at highly provocative art and expensive street art collections.
The museum is so popular it’s hard to schedule a time to see it. The popularity has also allowed them to construct a new space that will open in a year or so.
If you love art and need something other than the Prado Museum, check out Coleccion Solo. In my opinion, it is one of the best free museums in Madrid.
Website: https://coleccionsolo.com.