• Submitted by: admin
• Arts and Culture
• Havana
• Paint and Sculpture
• 05 / 21 / 2007

The slim figure of the Spanish flamenco dancer Antonio Gades has been portrayed in a tribute sculpture. It stands on the terrace of the Palacio de Lombillo overlooking the Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana.

The life-size bronze piece of the lead dancer was made by the Cuban artist José Villa Soberón (Santiago de Cuba) at the request of the Historian's Office headed by Eusebio Leal as EFE's sources close to the statue reported.

Soberón's latest work presents Gades figure standing outdoors in dance position and looking at the Cathedral open plaza.

Antonio Gades, 67, died on July 20, 2004. HIs last will was that Cubas Interim President and his close friend, Raúl Castro, would bury his ashes accordingly. The burial took place in the city of Santiago de Cuba, and the ashes rest in peace at the monument to combatants of the 2nd Eastern Front Frank País in the Sierra Maestra mountains, the cradle of the Cuban Revolution.

Nevertheless, Gades felt in love with Old Havana neighbourhood, his friends say.

The statue of Antonio Gades is not Soberón's first piece. In fact, he has made a number of notable sculptures of international figures placed nationwide.

For instance José Villa Soberón's piece that tributes ex-Beatle John Lennon, sitting cross-legged on a park bench in Vedado was unveiled in the 2000; American writer Ernest Hemingway standing in El Floridita restaurant in Old Havana; Havanas best known beggar El Caballero de París; Cubas best singer Benny Moré and Mother Teresa.

Source: Cubasi