It is an impressive sculpture almost five meters high which has just been installed at Place des Ormeaux, in Valence, in the Drôme. The City commissioned a monumental statue from the famous Catalan artist, Jaume Plensa. Known throughout the world, the sculptor has created statues for New York, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and now Valencia. The work entitled “The Messenger” represents a silhouette constructed of steel with letters of different alphabets.
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“I love it, it’s very pretty!”Ruchi reacts. The Valentinoise has lived on the square for 20 years, and for two days she has taken a little more time to open her shutters to enjoy the view. “At the time I moved there was a parking lot in front, so it changed your life.”confides the enthusiastic resident.
A message of peace and fraternity
Ruchi still hears neighbors criticizing the contrast between the contemporary style of the statue and the cathedral right next to it. But from her window, she also sees the first curious people taking photos. Eric has a positive opinion: “It’s quite nice, and it fits well into the setting”. The inhabitant even goes inside the sculpture. This is what Jaume Plensa, present on site this Friday, November 8, wanted.
Gabin Grulet
“I wanted to make it like a shelter where people can enter and feel protected by words”explains the sculptor known for his poetry. The letters that make up the silhouette come from nine alphabets including Armenian. “This is the first time I have used this alphabet, I understood that there is a strong Armenian community in Valencia”explains the artist.
Lisa Guinick
“There are no small towns”
Jaume Plensa knows Valencia. He came in 1994 for the exhibition “the 21 doors”. At the time, the City accepted that this artist, less known than today, would not exhibit his works in a museum but on buildings and in stores. “They had this courage, it’s an unforgettable memoryconfides the sculptor, since then I have had an emotional relationship with Valencia”. The municipality therefore decided to order the monumental statue for celebrate this 30th anniversary.
Gabin Grulet
Asked about his international reputation, Jaume Plensa responds: “there are no small towns, there are no places more important than others. From now on, my piece is yours”. At his side, the Culture Assistant, Marie-Françoise Pascal, says “very moved” duty the project comes to fruition. “The territory deserves to have a work of this type, created by a great artist. There is no reason why art should be reserved for big cities“, declares the elected official.
1.5 million euros
The statue and its installation cost 1.5 million euros. But the city did not pay. The work was supported by two private companies (Alizon and Rampa) as well as the Department, the Region and the State. “I thank the patrons, they are also happy to participate in the attractiveness of the region”assures Marie-Françoise Pascal. The elected official hopes that the sculpture will awaken the square and highlight the museum and the cathedral.
An exhibition dedicated to Jaume Plensa also begins this Saturday, November 9 at the Valencia Museum. It can be visited until April. An official inauguration of the work will also take place on Saturday at 4 p.m. The artist asks only one thing from the Valentinois: to take care of the monumental statue. The artist smiles: “you must not touch her, you must caress her”.
