Manolo Valdés: Personalized art in "Ladies and Gentlemen"

The Valencian artist Manolo Valdés has launched his most personal project to date: the book "Ladies and Gentlemen", accompanied by a Menina statue as a special gift. Priced at 7,000 euros, this work represents an exciting journey through Valdés's artistic career and his unique way of reinterpreting classic works to give them a new meaning and contemporaneity. Born in Valencia in 1942, Manolo Valdés is recognized as a key figure in Spanish art. He began his career in the 1960s as part of the Equipo Crónica, a group that revolutionized the pictorial language of the time. Since then, he has explored various techniques and styles, from painting to sculpture, consolidating his own unique and recognizable artistic universe. After a successful solo career in New York starting in the 1980s, Valdés returned to Madrid in 2024 with an exhibition at Opera Gallery named Allegro. More than 40 pieces including sculptures and paintings make up this show, showcasing the artist's skill in combining materials and techniques in his creations, demonstrating his mastery and versatility. The book "Ladies and Gentlemen" is a compendium of Valdés's work divided into three parts. The first includes 53 paintings, prints, and collages personally selected by the artist, allowing readers to delve into his creative world and his reinterpretation of iconic figures from art history. From Velázquez to Warhol, Valdés gives these works a new life and meaning. The second part of the book reveals the intricacies of Valdés's work through the perspectives of experts such as Guillermo Solana, María Toral Oropesa, and Kosme de Barañano, who analyze his work from different angles. This study book offers a deep insight into the creative process and motivations behind the artist's works. Finally, the case accompanying this limited edition is presented as a work of art in itself. A wooden box covered in fabric with a resin sculpture in the shape of a Menina, crafted with Valdés's characteristic mastery, adding a unique and exclusive touch to each copy. With only 998 numbered and signed copies by the artist, this book becomes a collectible piece for art lovers. In conclusion, "Ladies and Gentlemen" is a testament to the talent and creativity of Manolo Valdés, who at 82 years old continues to demonstrate his artistic prowess. This book is more than a compilation of his work, it is a journey through his personal and emotional universe, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the mind of one of the most influential artists in the contemporary art scene. A unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of an exceptional creator.