Manolo Valdés, Domesticity

Opera Gallery is pleased to announce ‘Domesticity,’ the second solo exhibition of Spanish artist Manolo Valdés in Dubai, opening at its Atlantis The Royal location on 9 October, 2024.

'Domesticity' offers a rare opportunity to explore the intimate side of Valdés’ artistry, focusing on his smaller-scale sculptures and inviting viewers to engage closely with the meticulous craftsmanship and intricate details that often go unnoticed in his monumental works.

Valdés, celebrated for transforming classical forms into contemporary masterpieces, brings his deep sensitivity to material and form into this collection. Each sculpture is a testament to his artistic vision, where familiar historical references take on new life in modern contexts. By highlighting the interplay of scale, 'Domesticity' contrasts these smaller, intimate works with the larger installations spread throughout the Royal Atlantis property in Dubai. While his grand sculptures command attention with their sheer size, these smaller pieces encourage a more personal, reflective dialogue, offering viewers a chance to experience the subtle textures, forms, and emotions that define Valdés’ work.

A master of artistic dialogue, Valdés continually revisits and reinterprets classical themes. His fascination with historical figures like Mariana de Austria and Infanta Margarita, as depicted in Velázquez’s iconic Las meninas, is evident throughout his work. These sculptures represent an ongoing conversation with art history, where the artist distills classical influences into minimalist, geometric forms, enriched with Valdés' characteristic use of materials—whether it be lacquered brass, porcelain-covered bronze, or the intricate use of butterflies and ferns in metal.

Through his mastery of form, material, and scale, Valdés creates a compelling narrative that connects the past with the present, inviting visitors to experience the grandeur of simplicity and the intimacy of vastness.