Manolo Valdes - in Glass

Manolo Valdés is a prominent international artist known for his work in sculpture, painting, drawing, and collage. This striking publication presents thirty-five sculptures created in 2020 and 2021, primarily using glass as the primary medium. The sculptures reference the history of modernist painting and sculpture, taking inspiration from twentieth-century masters. Barañano's essay explores the history of glass making and the evolution of Valdés' glass and mixed-media works. The publication features specially commissioned photography by Tom Powel, documenting the sculptures from various angles and details. Valdés' sculpture in glass transcends time, touching on the metaphysical nature of the human mind and its outward manifestation in the physical world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Anomie Publishing

Manolo Valdés, a renowned artist hailing from Valencia and residing in New York, has made a significant impact on the global art scene for over fifty years. His artistic prowess encompasses a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, painting, drawing, and collage. In this captivating and substantial publication, meticulously crafted in close collaboration with the artist by Peter B. Willberg and brought to life in Italy, Valdés showcases a collection of thirty-five sculptures meticulously crafted between 2020 and 2021. Alongside wood, alabaster, aluminum, steel, and resin, glass emerges as the primary medium, a result of an extensive and profound exploration marked by relentless experimentation.

The outcome is a series of captivating contemporary portrait busts that draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of modernist painting and sculpture. These works reference the works of twentieth-century masters like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Constantin Brancusi, evoking a sense of nostalgia and artistic reverence. Valdés has approached the creation of these sculptural glass busts with meticulous attention to detail, employing a range of vibrant amber oranges, ruby reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues, and onyx blacks. Each piece exudes an inner radiance, a testament to his skill and artistic vision.

In addition to delving into the historical context of glassmaking and its artistic applications, Barañano's comprehensive essay also traces the evolution of Valdés' glass and mixed-media works across a series of pivotal exhibitions and bodies of work over the past two decades. These include his monumental sculptures showcased at the New York Botanical Garden in 2012 and his dramatic solo presentation at the Place Vendôme in Paris in 2016, both of which provided opportunities for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in his artistic creations.

Manolo Valdés' enduring presence in the art world is a testament to his talent, creativity, and dedication to his craft. Through his sculptures, he continues to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and inspire generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike. This remarkable publication serves as a testament to his remarkable journey and the profound impact he has made on the world of contemporary art.

Dimension: 340 x 270 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910221372