Honoris Causa Universidad Barcelona
On Monday, 30 September 2024, the University of Barcelona held a solemn ceremony in the Paranymph Hall to award honorary doctorates to four leading figures in art and culture: the filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona, the painter Lita Cabellut, the actress Núria Espert, and the sculptor Jaume Plensa.
During the previous presentation in the Aula Magna, the rector excused the absence of Núria Espert for health reasons, to whom the award will be given personally. The awardees thanked the award for what it meant in terms of academic recognition of the creative act. Cabellut highlighted “the twinning between science and art” that it means, Plensa said that “it is an extraordinary moment to be able to share the work done with an academic institution, which is responsible for setting standards”, and Bayona recalled that he was part of the “first graduating class of the School of Cinema and Visual Communication of Catalonia” and that this was “very important for the support of the world of cinema that he represented”.
The ceremony, which was attended by the Catalan Minister for Culture, Sònia Hernández, and numerous academic authorities, began with the traditional entrance of the academic retinue and the performance of Canticorum iubilo by the UB Choir.
Rector Joan Guàrdia opened the session and stressed the importance of recognizing the creative talent and cultural contribution of such outstanding figures, who represent excellence in their respective artistic fields. Afterwards, the Secretary-General of the University, Marina Solé, read the official act of appointment of the new honorary doctors.
The sponsor of the four awardees, Dolors Tapias, professor of Visual Arts and Design at the UB’s Faculty of Fine Arts, highlighted the merits of each of the winners, emphasizing Bayona’s ability to turn cinema into a complete sensory experience; the depth of Cabellut’s work, which connects with the human soul; the emotion and passion that Espert brings to theatre; and the evocative power of Plensa’s sculptures. Tapias emphasized the “great contribution of the four awardees to the world of creation, art and culture, and the leadership they exercise in their respective specialities”.
After Dolors Tapias’ speech, the Rector conducted the investiture ceremony, in which the traditional insignia of an honorary doctorate were presented: the biretta, the ring, and the white gloves, symbols of prestige, wisdom, and academic purity. Bayona, Cabellut, and Plensa received these honours with great emotion and thanked the UB for this recognition......
Click here for the FULL TEXT on the website of the University of Barcelona
