Outdoor
Public Installations
"Renaixença" Falla Maestro Gonzalbo 2025
The idea that human beings have always been deeply connected to nature is fundamental to our culture. Since the beginning of time, nature has provided humanity with inspiration, resources and guidance.
Of all the symbols representing this connection, the tree is the most notable, standing as a universal emblem of life. In Mexican tradition, this concept is embodied in the ‘Trees of Life’, handcrafted clay sculptures that depict the eternal cycle of existence and the story of creation through their figures.
It is from these symbolic and cultural roots that Renaixença emerges: the falla for Maestro Gonzalbo 2025, a project celebrating rebirth through art, tradition and the essential connection between humanity and nature.
Renaixença
When I began conceptualising the design for Renaixença, I started with the fundamental idea that a falla represents: rebirth. I reflected on how to incorporate this concept into my artistic realm, exploring different cultural celebrations from around the world that share similar themes. It was then that I decided to draw a parallel with Mexican culture.
At its core, Mexican culture carries the intriguing notion of rebirth after death. Colour, fauna and symbolism — key elements in my work — can take on a beautiful new dimension when viewed through a Mexican lens. In that moment, I knew I had found the path forward.
As with each of my works, I began to compose with the visual interplay between reality and fiction as my starting point. This interplay tells real stories blended with dreams and subconscious desires. As a nature lover, I enjoy creating windows through which to discover the various species of each region, often interpreting them in a surreal manner but always maintaining a recognisable representation of the real thing.
Where everything started
The creation of the Fallas is a process that combines cutting-edge research with traditional craftsmanship. We are walking this path hand in hand with Taller del Llongo.
The proposed project successfully integrates the work into the public space. This would not be possible without the expertise of Llongo, leader of one of the most important Fallas workshops in Valencia. Together, we create a worthy proposal for the space in question, driven by creativity and enthusiasm.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
— Marcel Proust.
A dream come true.
Like urban art, Fallas are artistic expressions meant to be experienced in the streets. They are ephemeral artworks that are accessible to all. This is why the visual impact and the message conveyed are both fundamental to evoking emotion in the viewer.
With our proposed design for the Maestro Gonzalbo 2025 falla, we aim to take viewers on a journey of dreaming, imagining and reflection. Coincidentally, the square where the falla will stand is called Plaza de los Sueños — the Square of Dreams.
The composition features a variety of characters, the most notable of which is the armadillo. It symbolises protection and resilience. In many cultures, it is believed to ward off evil spirits. The armadillo is also associated with new beginnings because it is often one of the first animals to appear after a wildfire.
Perched on top of the armadillo is the scarlet macaw. In ancient Mayan culture, scarlet macaws were considered guardians of the trees and were seen as representations of fire and the sun. The red of their feathers represents the sun’s rays, the yellow symbolises the sun itself and the blue stands for the sky.
Another recurring character in my work is the Soul Rider — in this case, the rider of the scarlet macaw. The Soul Rider is a recurring figure in my work and is always portrayed as a guide and protector of all creatures. This is why it appears at the top of the tree. Several monkeys and birds perch on its branches, wondering where or in what form they will be reborn after the Cremà.
Throughout the piece, other characters appear, including the manta rays, which symbolise balance and grace. They move with precision around the central figure, representing harmony. The ocelot also makes an appearance, symbolising the power of perception and the connection between worlds with its sharp senses and adaptable nature.
At the back, other characters emerge with their forms fused into the tree, either being reborn from it or perhaps dying with it. They try to hide among the textures of the wood and leaves — all of which is depicted at the base of the falla.
Just like many of the species that inhabit our planet, the Tree of Life ended up burning and was extinguished. However, it was reborn as a memory, and a memory evokes emotion. Hopefully, this emotion will inspire a desire to love and protect nature, the greatest treasure on our planet.
Through this fallacy, we aimed to convey a powerful message to the world: if you fail to protect nature and the things you cherish, they will vanish before you even realise they were there.
The 15-metre-high sculpture we built represents our dream of seeing nature reborn. I hope this helps raise awareness, which is an essential element for this much-needed ”Renaixença” rebirth.
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