Figueres is set to unveil a significant artwork in celebration of its 150th anniversary, featuring approximately sixty illustrious figures from the city. The painting, created by artist Gino Rubert, measures four metres in width and will be exhibited at the Figueres Town Hall and in Josep Pla Square before the year concludes.
The piece follows the tradition of magical realism and will include notable personalities such as the artist Salvador Dalí and his muse Gala, inventor Narcís Monturiol, composer Pep Ventura, and writers like Carles Fages de Climent and Montserrat Vayreda. Other figures represented will include benefactors, artists, and local cultural icons, such as journalist Montserrat Minobis and basketball player Roser Llop.
The original artwork will be permanently displayed on the interior staircase of the Figueres Town Hall, with an additional installation planned for one of the walls in Josep Pla Square. The project, which has a budget of €35,000, aims to honour the city's rich cultural and historical legacy.
Mariona Seguranyes, the councillor for Culture and Heritage, stated, “We wanted a piece that reflects the main figures who have played a significant role in the city across artistic, literary, intellectual, architectural, and sporting fields. All of them have become symbols of Figueres' historical trajectory, shaped by the prominent individuals who provided the tools for its growth and advancement. Art and culture are two key elements that identify Figueres, and this work, along with its reflective nature, helps us move towards this goal.”
Gino Rubert, born in Mexico City in 1969 and now based in Sant Martí d’Empúries, is known for his impactful works that challenge viewers' perceptions. He has exhibited internationally in cities such as Berlin, New York, and Tokyo, and is recognised as one of the most significant contemporary artists in the Catalan art scene.
