Manolo Valdés (born 1942) is a prominent Spanish contemporary artist known for his multifaceted career as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker. Valdés initially gained recognition as part of the influential art collective Equipo Crónica in the 1960s, engaging with social and political themes through a pop art lens. After the group disbanded, Valdés continued to evolve his artistic practice, drawing inspiration from art history, literature, and cultural symbolism. His work often features reinterpretations of classical themes, including portraits and iconic imagery, presented with a contemporary twist. Valdés employs a vibrant color palette and a mix of materials to create visually striking compositions that reflect both his mastery of technique and his exploration of the intersections between tradition and innovation.

 

Manolo Valdés' art has been showcased in numerous museums and institutions globally, emphasizing his significant impact on the contemporary art scene. His work can be found in the permanent collection of museums worldwide including Arte Reina Sofia in Madrid, Fonds National d’Arts Plastiques in Paris, Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno in Valencia, Kuntsmuseum in Berlin, Musee National d’Art Moderne in Paris, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Internacional Rufino Tamayo in Mexico City, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, further solidifying his status as a key figure in the dialogue between tradition and modernity in art.