Manolo Valdés, born on March 8, 1942, is a renowned Spanish artist known for his contributions to the field of contemporary art. He hails from Valencia, Spain. Valdés is recognized as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, and he has also worked in various other artistic mediums throughout his career.

Valdés initially gained prominence in the 1960s as a co-founder of the art collective Equipo Crónica, along with Rafael Solbes and Joan Antoni Toledo. The group aimed to critique and satirize the Francoist regime in Spain through their artworks. Their work was characterized by a blend of Pop Art and social commentary, incorporating elements from Spanish art history and popular culture.

Following the dissolution of Equipo Crónica in 1981, Valdés embarked on a solo career and began exploring his own artistic style. He is best known for his large-scale sculptures and monumental public artworks. Valdés often draws inspiration from art historical references, particularly Spanish Golden Age painters such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya.

Valdés' works frequently feature bold, figurative representations of subjects such as women, flowers, and royal motifs. His distinctive style combines elements of abstraction and realism, emphasizing the interplay between form, color, and texture. Valdés' artworks can be found in numerous museums, galleries, and public spaces around the world, including the United States, Europe, and Latin America.

 

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