Manolo Valdés was born in Valencia, Spain, in 1942 and is regarded as one of the most important Spanish artists of contemporary art. As a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, he is renowned for his reinterpretation of art history, transforming references to classical masterpieces into a distinctly contemporary visual language.
After studying at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos in Valencia, Valdés founded the influential artists’ group Equipo Crónica in 1964 together with Rafael Solbes. Active until 1981, the group critically explored mass media imagery, Spanish history, and traditional artistic conventions.
Since the beginning of his solo career, Valdés has developed a unique artistic approach based on the reinterpretation of historical images. Inspired by artists such as Velázquez, Picasso, Matisse, and Miró, he creates monumental paintings, sculptures, and collages that connect the past with the present. He is especially known for his stylized female heads and figures, characterized by expressive forms, rich surfaces, and a strong sense of materiality.
Alongside painting and sculpture, Manolo Valdés has produced an important graphic oeuvre including etchings, lithographs, screenprints, and limited editions. His prints reflect his distinctive combination of color, form, and art-historical references.
Manolo Valdés is recognized internationally as one of Spain’s leading contemporary artists. His works have been exhibited worldwide in museums, galleries, and major art fairs and are held in numerous public and private collections.