Nature-Inspired Sculptures by Manolo Valdés on Exhibit in the Bronx

"Ivy" (2012)

"Butterflies" (2012)

"Fiore" (2012)

Currently on exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx are monumental sculptures created by Spanish artist, Manolo Valdés. The sculptures were inspired by the natural landscape of the garden. The exhibit includes Fiore, a 17-foot-high bronze and steel work inspired by oak and maple trees; Butterflies, a 50-foot-wide aluminum piece; and Ivy, a 15-foot-tall aluminum structure reminiscent of palm leaves. The artist created seven monumental, sculptural heads specifically for this exhibition. The sculptures prominently feature headdresses inspired by ferns, oak and maple leaves, windblown palms, and butterflies. The exhibition runs through May 26, 2013.

Dama a Caballo V by Manolo Valdés

Dama a Caballo V is a unique bronze sculpture created by Spanish artist, Manolo Valdés in 2008. It has been installed in front of 900 Park Avenue and will be on view through 2014. Valdés’ iconic sculpture Dama a caballo V was inspired by the mid-seventeenth century equestrian portraits by Diego Velázquez, particularly that of Isabel de Borbón, the Queen of Spain from 1621-1644. The imagery of the equestrian portrait is a theme Valdés has recently begun addressing in both his three dimensional works and paintings. In this sculpture Valdés creates a roughly textured, unfinished appearance with the bronze, evoking the unrefined materials of “primitive” art, yet still manages to impart the regality of the subject. (Sculpture description from http://www.marlboroughgallery.com/news/monumental-valds-sculpture-to-be-installed-at-900-park-avenue)