citylikeyou — The Blueness of Madrid — Madrid by Lucas Levitan

Madrid / Place / Other / Nature / Monument

Though you might say the city is full of colors, from Velazquez’s tones of greys to Miro’s vivid strokes and shapes. From Goya’s darkness to Picasso’s blues, Rastro’s potency and variety of people and fabrics, or even shop windows for tourists full of Sevillanas and colorful magnets - the biggest canvas is above all of us. It’s hard to beat the intense blue of Madrid’s sky. I have no idea if Giotto has been here, but I’m pretty sure he was inspired by Madrid’s sky to paint Padua’s chapel’s ceiling. The smoothest blue of Madrid’s sky lies in contrast with the dryness and ocre buildings and landscape gives me torticollis. The colors may vary from mediterranean sea, Yves Klein Blue and Pantone 293C. It doesn’t matter how it’s defined - it is, for me, a boost of cheerfulness in any place and mindset I find myself in. I won’t be able to touch or reach the blueness of this sky, but it touches me. Deeply. And I happily allow it.

Address
The Blueness of Madrid, https://goo.gl/maps/bLh7rnNkRgS2, Madrid, Spain

Artist Creative Director Illustrator Designer Art Director Visual Artist

Current city: Madrid

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Lucas Levitan is an illustrator today, filmmaker last week, photographer last month and art director last year. A new cycle might start again soon. A few years ago, whilst lunch break walking on Redchurch Street in East London, a brick fell from the 4th floor scaffolding of a building site and missed his head by millimeters. It made him think he should be doing more or what he loves, drawing. It was a turning point. That same moment he went back to the office he used to work for and resigned. Now he’s lost and happier.

More Places in Madrid 22

Madrid / Art Centre

The city’s old slaughterhouse, now an art centre. It’s a monumental project that somehow manages to survive the financial crisis. They organize interesting exhibitions, talks and other activities. The perfect excuse to go for a walk around the southern side of Madrid.

Madrid / Cafe

After long hours at Reina Sofia museum time for going to Outer Space. It's called NuBel and it makes you wonderfully dizzy. Or, better, go there just before the museum - drink some wine and go to admire Guernica in 3D.

Madrid / Hotel

Spanish artist Jaime Hayon is sometimes called Almodóvar of design. So if you like "Kika", colours, Spanish culture and dreamy aestetics, you must visit Barceló Torre de Madrid and stay there for a night or just have a drink in a golden bar.

Madrid / Shop

There cannot be anything as charismatic as a bookstore –librería– in a street called Libreros –booksellers–. Graphic Book is a charming place where you can buy books and magazines on design, advertising, illustration, fashion or photography. Ideal for searching what you cannot find in (almost) any other bookstore in Madrid.

Madrid / Bar

One of my favourite places to enjoy a beer bathed in orange lights and layered walls. They used to give concerts downstairs. Unfortunately they got recently banned due to boring local regulations - hopefully, live music will return soon amongst their palm trees and tropical lights.