Manolo Valdés Brings ‘Domesticity’ to Dubai: A Fusion of Art History and Modern Expression
Renowned Spanish artist مانولو فالديس is showcasing his small-scale sculptures in his second solo exhibition at Opera Gallery in Atlantis The Royal, Dubai. The exhibition, titled Domesticity, runs until October 31, and offers an intimate insight into Valdés’s expertise in sculpture and his mastery of detail.
Valdés, known for his multi-disciplinary works across painting, sculpture, and multimedia, embraces the unique atmosphere of Dubai for his creative expression. “I love exhibiting in Dubai because it is a unique place,” Valdés shared in an interview with The National, emphasizing the distinct reactions his work receives in various cities, from Dubai to Berlin and Beijing.
A Journey Through Art History
Valdés’s sculptures are known for their deep references to the great masters of art history. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like دييغو فيلازكويز from the Baroque period, فرانسيسكو غويا from Romanticism, and بابلو بيكاسو, Valdés reinterprets their themes and forms, blending them into his own contemporary context. His signature works include figures with exaggerated proportions and busts with intricate headdresses made of materials like wood, resin, aluminum, and bronze.
Reinterpretation and Layering
Valdés’s approach is a continuous dialogue with past art, combining fragments from iconic artworks, such as Queen Mariana from Velázquez’s 1653 portrait, with modern elements like colors and textures from Pop Art. This allows for a fresh interpretation of historical motifs, as Valdés incorporates inspirations from artists like أنطوني تابيس and جان دوبوفيه. Even accidental splashes of paint, reminiscent of جاكسون بولوك’s technique, are embraced as part of the process, leading to organic and unplanned developments in his work.
A Visual Exploration of Craftsmanship
The exhibition, Domesticity, highlights Valdés’s ability to pack intricate thought and craftsmanship into small sculptures, offering a visual feast without overwhelming the audience. Through light, color, and materials, his works recontextualize historical themes in surprising ways. The exhibition promises to engage both seasoned art lovers and newcomers alike, inviting varied interpretations.
Inspiration from Everyday Life
Valdés describes how inspiration for his work can come from everyday encounters. Whether it’s ancient Greek perfume bottles at the Metropolitan Museum or a Warhol painting in a store window, Valdés allows his creative process to be shaped by what he sees, bringing art history into a conversation with contemporary subjects.
In this sense, his work acts as a bridge between the past and present, exploring humanity’s timeless interest in leaving marks throughout history. As Valdés notes, “It is important to look at the past to understand the present.”
Domesticity is an extraordinary opportunity to experience Valdés’s deep understanding of both art history and modern artistic techniques in an accessible and intimate format. The exhibition is running until October 31 at Opera Gallery in Atlantis The Royal, Dubai.
