The cult of beauty

Description

The cult of beauty

May 21 - November 8, 2026
Exhibition

What is the beauty? Why are you so obsessed? This exhibition traces the evolution of the ideals of beauty throughout history, analyzes how they have constructed the aesthetic canons and vindicates the things and beauty that are exclusive of the norm.
The ideals of beauty have existed in all periods and cultures. Philosophy has sought to define the concept of beauty, art has sought to capture it, science constantly innovates to improve it, while the market generates constant needs to keep us always young and perfect. The notions of physical attractiveness change, but our pursuit of the beautiful mai s'atura.

The exhibition offers a critical look at the construction of the canons of beauty from the ancient world to our lives and analyzes who has covered art, society, politics, religion and medicine. It is also involved in the cosmetics industry, in the design and marketing of products, and focuses on skin, hair and meat as battlefields in the fight for control of the things.

"The cult of beauty" invites us to question the established canons and to broaden and enrich our view, in order to vindicate things and beauty that have been excluded from the norm.

The exhibition includes a project by Janice Li at the Wellcome Collection in London and includes both Blanca arias and Júlia Lull in its latest local adaptation. The exhibition presents in dialogue works of art, documents and historical objects and contemporary installations to address issues such as status, health, age, gender and race. It features, among others, works by William Hogarth, Angelica Dass, Laura Aguilar, Juno Calypso, Zed Nelson, Shirin Fathi, Narcissister, Ismael Smith, Isidre Nonell, Josep Masana, Colita, Sandra Gamarra, Esther Ferrer, Regina José Galindo, Maria Alcaide, Colectivo Ayllu, Lorenza Böttner, Marina Vargas, Arvida Byström, Harriet Davey, and Renaissance Goo x Baum & Leahy.

This exhibition is an adaptation of the show curated by Janice Li and presented at the Wellcome Collection in London in 2023.

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Curator: Janice Li
Blanca Arias
Júlia Lull Sanz