Peret – "Mercè 92" (Banned Poster, 1992)

Peret – "Mercè 92" (Banned Poster, 1992)

Artist: Pere Torrent (Peret) 1945 - 
Title: Mercè 92
Year: 1992
Medium: Lithograph / Screenprint on paper
Edition: Limited edition 61/99, hand-signed by the artist
Dimensions: [Insert dimensions if available]
Provenance: Private collection

Description & Background

This limited signed edition of Mercè 92 is a rare piece of Catalan artistic history, created by the renowned designer Peret (Pere Torrent) for the official 1992 La Mercè Festival in Barcelona. The artwork was banned by the Barcelona City Council, making it one of the most controversial and censored posters in the festival’s history.

Peret, known for his bold pop-art-influenced style, produced a striking and playful interpretation of the festival’s spirit. However, the design was deemed too provocative and inappropriate by authorities, leading to its official rejection. Some suggest that the censorship was influenced by the city's desire to maintain a clean public image during the 1992 Olympic Games.

Despite the controversy, the poster remains a symbol of artistic freedom and resistance to censorship. The expressive composition, featuring abstract forms, exaggerated features, and Peret’s signature aesthetic, embodies his irreverent and avant-garde approach to visual communication.

Significance & Collectibility

• Banned Art: One of the most infamous censored posters in Barcelona’s modern history.
• Limited Signed Edition: Only 99 pieces exist, making this an extremely rare collector’s item.
• Artistic Legacy: Peret remains a key figure in Catalan graphic design, and this work showcases his ability to challenge norms while maintaining his unmistakable visual style.
• Historical Context: This piece reflects the tension between artistic freedom and institutional control, particularly in a city preparing for global attention in 1992.

Condition:

Good

Additional Notes:

• Hand-signed and numbered by Peret