Néstor BASTERRETXEA (1924–2014) - Lot 14

Néstor BASTERRETXEA (1924–2014) Homage to Txakoli, ca. 2007 Cut and painted iron. H. 50 cm; W. 39 cm; D. 15 cm Provenance: Artist’s collection, by inheritance. Related work: Homage to Txakoli, Monumental sculpture, Baquio (Biscay). Exhibition: - Nestor Basterretxea, Boinas La Encartada Foundation, Balsameda, June 30–October 31, 2011. Bibliography: - Nestor Basterretxea, Balsameda, Boinas La Encartada Foundation, Exhibition Catalog, 2011, reproduced on p. 61. Néstor Basterretxea was a sculptor, painter, designer, and filmmaker. Exiled to Argentina during the Spanish Civil War, he returned to the Basque Country in the 1950s and played an active role in Spain’s postwar artistic revival. His sculptural work is distinguished by abstract, organic, and monumental forms, blending modernity with ancestral symbolism. Between 1972 and 1973, he created his famous series *Cosmogonía Vasca*. This collection of sculptures, inspired by Basque mythology and folk traditions, is still considered one of the pinnacles of his work. He is also the creator of several iconic monumental works in public spaces, notably the large sculpture installed at the Basque Parliament in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Homenaje al arbol de Gernika - Gernikako Zuhaitza), attesting to the importance of his work in contemporary Basque cultural heritage. The work of Nestor Basterretxea establishes a dialogue between Basque folklore and a poetic reinterpretation of it. Without veering into extreme philosophy, he employs a highly modern formal language; the monumentality of his works and the materials used symbolize the very essence of Basque diversity.