“With‘ Las Meninas ’, Velázquez was the creator of the selfi”

[Inkriql]

 

A decade ago, a man was crying inconsolably in front of Las meninas, Velázquez's famous painting. That image marked Antonio Azzato (Caracas, 46 years old), an industrial engineer who had just moved to Madrid. He designed and restored furniture that he later exposed to the doors of his business and the neighbors were photographed with them. What happened to him at the Prado Museum led him to study deeply the work of the Sevillian painter, but he also turned on a light. He began building fiberglass meninas and in 2018 he took them to the streets of the capital. He has done it again this year.

How did the idea come about?
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The painting is a reinterpretation, it wasn't even called that. It changed its name 200 years ago, when it was renamed Las Meninas, which were the servants of the time. Velázquez claims the profession. I made the sculpture in white, I proposed an exhibition to the City Council and they accepted it.

What do they symbolize?

They are the icon of Madrid. It is the most important painting in Spain. Velázquez was the Steve Jobs of his time, a genius. He was the creator of the selfi because he generated a fourth dimension. The work is more up to date than ever.

What objective do you pursue?

The main museums of the cities should be its streets. The first message we find in them is do not speak, do not photograph, do not touch. Art must be lived with the five senses.

In the first edition I asked what Madrid was, any conclusions?

The common denominator was the love everyone had for the city. They were proud to live here and wanted to give back everything they had done for them. Everything happens in Madrid, so if you stay at home you have the feeling of missing something.

How are the scenarios chosen?

We try to select points that are pleasant to walk and help to rediscover the city. The main promoter of this initiative is Acotex, the textile merchants association. The idea is to energize the streets because traditional commerce is increasingly affected by large stores and online commerce.

And how do you decide the people who reinterpret the figures?

It depends on several factors. An open call is launched, emerging artists are chosen and the sponsors select others. I try to make it a plural mix.

What do you ask for?

They have white letter. They must express a message, but the subject is free. I help them to express their idea by sketching.

Is art elitist?

The price of museums is high, but there are free days for everyone to reach. There is no excuse for someone to enjoy it.

Are there missing urban spaces to develop it?

There should be more spaces to express themselves. Graffiti has become a trend. They should not be banned. Places with them could be rehabilitated.

What does Velázquez have?

Everyone has an idea of who he was, but interest is lost in technology. Last year I saw children asking their parents what these dolls were.

Do your creations serve to inspire new artists?

That is the idea, that over the years someone tells me that he saw the exhibition and that prompted him to devote himself to art.

What character would you like to participate?

An elite soccer player. In a country where there is some disunity, art and sport lead to union.

What is the most urgent message?

The integration. Do not forget what happened in the past. I come from an emigrant family. Today I am in Madrid again, but some people tell me that I am not from here. Putting labels is a mistake. Art allows people to connect. It is a universal language.

What do Venezuelans find here?

Everything is cyclic in this life. 40 years ago the Spaniards went to Venezuela because things were not right here. Venezuela opened the doors, just as it is happening now with Madrid. In my country things are wrong. Living there has become a heroic act.

In this city, do you live or survive?

The climate of Venezuela is like that of a continuous spring. Here you have to face the winter. Who leaves his country behind and tries to forge a better life has a lot of value. I decided to come to give my children a better life.

What problems did you encounter?

All cities have pros and cons. What I love about Madrid is that in a good restaurant a millionaire and a poor person can agree, even if it goes only once every six months. In my country it is unthinkable; the difference between social classes is very pronounced