Israel protests sculpture at Madrid art fair - Summary

Madrid - Israel on Wednesday protested against a piece of art on display at one of the world's top contemporary art fairs as the festival opened in the Spanish capital of Madrid. The sculpture, Stairway to Heaven by Spanish artist Eugenio Merino, was "offensive to Jews, Israelis and undoubtedly, others as well," the Israeli embassy said.

The work displayed at the ARCO art fair shows a crouching Muslim topped by a kneeling priest, in turn topped by a rabbi.

Merino denied that the sculpture was provocative, saying it reflected "the coexistence of the three religions, which make a joint effort to literally reach God."

The work was sold immediately for 50,000 euros (68,500 dollars).

The 29th ARCO, which features works from more than 200 galleries and 3,000 artists from 25 countries, was due for its official inauguration Thursday by Crown Prince Felipe and his wife Letizia.

"Buyers are still cautious, but the (art) market is slowly beginning to move again" after being hit by the economic crisis, ARCO director Lourdes Fernandez said earlier.

The daily El Mundo described the fair as the most controversial ARCO so far, after gallery owners accused the fair company IFEMA of trying to influence the choice of participants.

Critics also slammed the fair as too big and overpriced, complaining that it had lost importance and come under political influences.

The fair was the first ARCO to feature a guest city - Los Angeles - instead of a guest country. The fair is set to run until February 21.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/309793,israel-protests-sculpture-at-madrid-art-fair--summary.html.