Venezuela sees Spanish high art reimagined

Venezuela sees high Spanish art reimagined in a new exhibition in its streets

Installed on sidewalks and squares in Caracas, artist Antonio Azzato's series of 19 faceless fiberglass statues represent a stylized version of Infanta Margarita Teresa

A series of contemporary statues inspired by the young Spanish princess featured in the 17th-century masterpiece "Las Meninas" emerged on Wednesday around the Venezuelan capital, in an effort to bring fine art to the public.

Installed on sidewalks and squares in Caracas, the series of 19 faceless fiberglass statues by artist Antonio Azzato represent a stylized version of the Infanta Margarita Teresa from the famous painting by Baroque master Diego Velázquez.
In the original painting, the young princess is attended by two ladies-in-waiting, or meninas in Spanish.

In an interview, Azzato emphasized that his colorful sculptures aim to give younger fans a counterpoint to today's hyperdigital culture.

"We have to make a very strong effort with children and young people because many are losing more and more interest in art due to technology," he stated.

Unlike the original by Velázquez, the main court painter of King Philip IV of Spain, Azzato's older princesses scattered around Caracas depict her in modern clothing, including a New York Yankees jersey, as well as others with distinctive Venezuelan touches, such as orchids and tropical birds.

"Many people don't know Velázquez or Las Meninas," Azzato said.

"This will generate curiosity, curiosity, and they will take a closer look at the height."

Since 2000, Azzato, 50, has lived and worked in Madrid, home of the Museo Nacional del Prado, where the original painting is on display.

Installations of the artist's six series of Menina sculptures, which number around 300 to date, have in the past featured creative collaborations with famous figures, such as tennis player Rafael Nadal and fashion designer Agatha Ruiza de la Prada.

The latest version in Venezuela, which will be on display through February, features design contributions from national celebrities, including salsa singer Oscar D'Leon and baseball star Gleyber Torres.