MANAMA.- De Buck Gallery collaborated with the RAK Art Foundation in presenting "Memories Carved in Steel: Echoes from Dilmun and Beyond," an extraordinary exhibition by the internationally acclaimed artist Juan Garaizabal, hosted at the Bahrain National Museum from Saturday, November 23, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

Celebrated for his monumental installations that capture the essence of memory and the passage of time, Garaizabal's work is being showcased through twelve large-scale outdoor sculptures, including two pieces specifically commissioned for Manama. Complementing the outdoor exhibit, visitors will also find 10 works on paper and 5 smaller sculptures displayed within the museum, offering a comprehensive exploration of his artistic vision.

A Monumental Exploration of Memory and History

Juan Garaizabal's art uniquely interweaves architecture, memory, and sculpture to create awe-inspiring monuments that bring the past to life. Central to this exhibition is his acclaimed piece, The Door of Dilmun, inspired by the ancient and mythologized city of Dilmun, famed for its association with purity and eternal life. Garaizabal's work, composed of stainless steel and concrete, evokes ethereal quality, embodying sketches of the past that transcend time. According to the artist, this piece "stands as a monument to the fleeting nature of human greatness, reminding us that even the most splendid civilizations are destined to fade."

In addition to these new creations, visitors will experience ten outdoor sculptures that harmonize with Bahrain's landscape, offering a unique interaction between art and environment. The indoor segment of the exhibition features detailed drawings and smaller sculptures that extend the narrative, inviting guests into a reflective journey bridging history and modernity.

Artistic Themes and Recognition

Garaizabal's body of work examines the dimensions of time and space, challenging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the past. His sculptures have been featured in renowned art venues worldwide, including a recent landmark installation at Art Basel, Switzerland, and the celebrated Urban Memory Miami Havana's Balcony. Notably, his reation Ever Time Gate was awarded at the Jing'An Sculpture Biennial in Shanghai in 2020.

The artist's transformative public art projects also include La Memoria del Giardino, presented at the VEnice Biennale in 2013, and Berlin Memoria Urbana, which continue to influence contemporary art disourse by engaging with collective memory and the transient nature of human achievements.

Beyond his international acclaim, Garaizabal is currently developing the International Center for Nature and Contemporary Sculpture near Madrid. "This will be my legacy for future generations, a place where sculpture blends seamlessly with nature and invites interaction," he explains.

Juan Garaizabal

Juan Garaizabal is a Spanish artist renowned for his large-scale sculptures and installations. His signature style involves using metal and light to craft symbolic representations of lost buildings and historical events, breathing new life into forgotten narratives. Garaizabal's work compels viewers to contemplate themes of memory, history, and the ever-evolving urban landscape. His artistic journey has taken him to prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the esteemed Venice Biennale. As a dedicated public artist, Garaizabal has created transformative works such as La Memoria del Giardino for the Venie Biennale 2013 and the Berlin Memoria Urbana project. Each of these peies reflects his deep engagement with the landscapes of memory, fostering dialogues between the physicality of space and the intangible qualities of human recollection.