Cadabra-abra : Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone

Juan Canela (born, 1980, works and lives in Barcelona) is the curator of one of Tabakalera’s autumn exhibitions, the one entitled Cale, cale, cale! Caale!!!. This exclamation – which can be translated “Autumn, autumn, autumn! Autuuuuumn! – refers to a magic charm against storms, a southern Italian tradition. The exhibition questions the place of magic, ritual, or the irrational in relation to nature and art.

Cadabra-Abra is a cycle that looks back on the relationship between cinema and magic, the occult, spirituality, rituals, the sacred, incantations, and apparitions-vanishings.  

A film by Chris Columbus

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Chris Columbus, UK, 2001, 152’, OV with Spanish subtitles

A film cycle inspired by spells, abracadabras and mysteries from the world of magic couldn't neglect the film adaptation of the book which made several generations of adolescents dream of becoming witches and wizards. J.K. Rowling's novel was an overwhelming success and the first chapter of the film saga didn’t disappoint, soon becoming a classic of the fantasy and adventure genre. Millions of children, adolescents and parents packed out cinemas across the globe to follow Harry Potter as he learned magic during his first stint at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

When he turns eleven — and in true superhero-story fashion — Harry learns of his true origin: a strange individual called Rubeus Hagrid revels that his parents were killed by Lord Voldemort, and that he, Harry Potter, is really a wizard with very special powers. That’s when he begins his training at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and when he discovers the mystery of the philosopher’s stone.