The European Observatory on Memories (EUROM) and La Casa de la Barceloneta 1761 present the sensorial exhibition The Oasis, an artistic project that brings back to life one of the earliest acts of youth resistance against Franco’s dictatorship. Through light, sound, and texture, the installation recreates a flat in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta that, in 1941, served as a clandestine refuge for four young women committed to freedom and democracy.
Developed in collaboration with the creative company La Inefable and supported by the Spain in Freedom. 50 Years program, the exhibition will open on November 15 and remain on display until March 7, 2026.
An homage to women who resisted from the shadows
Known as the Oasis, the flat sheltered Soledad Real, Clara Pueyo, and Isabel Imbert, who lived there permanently, and Maria Salvo, who collaborated closely with them. Together, they organized clandestine meetings, produced political bulletins, and supported imprisoned comrades — until their arrest in September 1941 led to the dismantling of the group.
Through a multisensory reconstruction of that space, The Oasis invites visitors to experience an episode of the anti-Franco struggle that has largely faded from public memory.
Furthermore, The Oasis, also aims to connect local memory with the broader European history of resistance and repression, emphasizing the role of women in defending democratic values.
A collective effort for memory and democracy
The project is joint iniciative by the EUROM and Casa de la Barceloneta 1761 in the framework of Spain in Freedom. 50 Years. It counts with the the support of the City Council of Barcelona. Together, these institutions seek to recover the hidden histories that shaped civic resistance in the postwar years and to inspire contemporary reflections on democracy and memory.
Survey
This activity is co-financed by the European Commission and for its evaluation we kindly ask your collaboration in filling out this survey. It will take about 10 minutes, and you will need the information indicated below. Thank you very much!
- Reference of the Project: 101194553
- Type of activity: Awareness-raising
- Title: Networking