Two decades ago, Barcelona was still known as the "city with its back turned to the sea" ("Ciutat d'esquena al mar"), with heavy industry denying the Catalans access to the sea. With the arrival of the 1992 Olympic Games, the city’s coastal line was completely reconstructed and the centre opened up to the old fishermen’s port of Barceloneta, paving the way for urban renewal and regeneration the city is now famous for.
 
Mayor Vojko Obersnel pointed out that the best compliment to artist Tim Ertle is his impression of being back in Barcelona. Barcelona is swarming with people, life and architecture. Its long-term city-planning approach, transforming it from an industrial city into a lively, energetic city particularly draws attention. And it is exactly this city energy that this young photographer has managed to catch and present in Rijeka, said the mayor.
 
Rijeka and Barcelona have a lot in common: both are vibrant Mediterranean cities with a strong industrial heritage and a newly found focus on culture and tourism which pulls in a young and creative population.
 
The photos were made in the period from summer 2007 to summer 2008. Through 136 close-ups, panoramas and flicks of daily life, the exhibition live-streams the spirit, emotion and "movido" of one the most exciting Mediterranean metropolis. Its 5 sections showcase Barcelona's grand architecture; graceful fragments; powerful street art, proud people and exciting fiestas.