Controversial sculptures inspired by Velázquez spark outcry in Venice
The 60th Venice Biennale features a public art project in St Mark’s Square by Spanish artist Manolo Valdés. The project, titled Las Meninas a San Marco, showcases 13 bronze sculptures inspired by Velázquez’s painting Las Meninas. While the display has received criticism from local heritage groups, the Contini Art Gallery highlights Valdés’s talent for reimagining famous works in a sculptural form. The exhibition is a collaboration with the Municipality of Venice and will culminate in the donation of one sculpture to the city. Sponsored by Banca Ifis, Assicurazioni Generali, and Gruppo Editoriale Italia, the Valdés display also includes works Mariposas and Diadema near the Arsenale.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.