Opera Gallery in Monaco is pleased to present Valdés in Monaco, a major solo exhibition dedicated to the celebrated Spanish artist Manolo Valdés. Running from 20 September-24 October, the exhibition’s curation of paintings, sculptures and mixed media collages created between 1983-2025–including works from his iconic Reina Mariana, Infantas and Cabezas series–offers a striking presentation of one of the most versatile and visionary artists of this generation. This exhibition marks Opera Gallery’s biggest solo presentation to date of Manolo Valdés’ work in Monaco.

Revered for his bold reinterpretations of art historical imagery and motifs, this exhibition showcases the inspiration he draws from reference points ranging from Diego Velázquez’s Las meninas (1656) to Henri Matisse’s Femme au chapeau (1905). His work creates a dialogue about how recurring forms and motifs evolve over time and across media, as highlighted by this exhibition.

Works in the exhibition range from mixed media collage to painting to sculpture. Large-scale iterations of his iconic Infanta Margarita sculptural series are rendered in materials ranging from aluminium to wood. A monumental wooden sculpture from his ongoing Librería series evokes the facade of a bookshelf replete with books – serving as an homage to individual stories, collective legacy, and the pursuit of knowledge. Sculptural busts made from Murano glass and resin depict swirls of butterflies sit next to textural mixed media portraits created with burlap and oil paint on canvas. Through his use of scale and materiality, each artwork within Valdés artistic practice offers a new perspective on memory, beauty, and artistic lineage.

“Over the course of his more than 6 decade-spanning career, Manolo Valdés’ has developed a singular voice that is deeply rooted in art history with a contemporary lens,” says Damien Simonelli, Director of Opera Gallery in Monaco, “Furthermore, with 2025 marking the 60 year anniversary since his co- founding of Equipo Cronica with Rafael Solbes and Juan Antonio Toledo in 1965, this exhibition serves as a moment to reflect on the Spanish art collective’s significance and lingering influence on art history.” In tandem with the exhibition, a presentation of monumental outdoor sculptures will be presented at Larvotto Beach in Monaco from August 31- December 25, 2025.

Espai Manolo Valdés, a museum located in Valdés’ birthplace of Valencia, Spain will be unveiled by the Valencia City Council in late 2026-early 2027, a rare and exceptional honour for a living artist. Situated in Pier 3 of the city’s Central Park, the museum will encompasses approximately 1,128.4 m2. The inaugural exhibition will include around 30 sculptures, including a selection of previously unseen works.