Leveron's Sculptures in Torremolinos
by Tony Bryant
The transformation of the Plaza Costa del Sol, Avenida Palma de Mallorca and the Plaza de Independencia in 2018 turned the centre of Torremolinos into a spacious pedestrianised boulevard that has become the resort’s main cultural hub. Hosting a variety of different concerts, poetry recitals and art exhibitions in what has become the new ‘open air museum’, the boulevard and surrounding streets also boast a wealth of sculptures and statues, including a collection of bronze and stone pieces created by Elena Laverón, the Ceuta-born artist who now lives in Málaga.
Laverón, who trained at the San Jorge School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, has received international recognition and her creations can be found at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum in New York and at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.
The artist holds a special affection for Torremolinos and several of her works have been installed in the main boulevard, while another collection can be found in the peaceful gardens of the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Centre in Calle de la Cruz.
The colossal figures, characterised by the artist’s fascination with the human body and animals, were sculptured between 1964 and 2005 and measure up to 2.5 metres in height and 4 meters in length. These magnificent works of art have created considerable interest in the town and they have become a talking point for the locals and visiting tourists.
Walking Route
To enjoy the full impact of this unique collection, it would be advisable to start in Avenida Palma de Mallorca, where, on the junction of Calle Cauce, an elegant piece called Mujer Banco (1995) is situated. This impressive piece, which many locals first thought was a simple bench-seat, demonstrates Laverón’s skill at reproducing the female torso.
Just a few meters walk into the Plaza Costa del Sol will reveal some of the artist’s most recognised pieces, the first of which is Los Oficíos (1999). The Tradesmen is situated in front of the Barrabino mansion, soon to be the town's new cultural and artistic centre. This grandeur piece, which consists of five bronze figures, was previously displayed in the Palmeral de los Sorpresas in Málaga port.
Others include El Caminante (The Traveller), which is located under the wave effect pergola, while at the junction of Calle de la Cruz, one will find La Nacimiento de Eva (The Birth of Eve), formerly located in Plaza La Nogalera.
A short walk along the Calle de la Cruz will lead to the Pablo Picasso Cultural Centre, and this is where some of Laverón’s other works are displayed. Eleven pieces are scattered among the gardens and these include a mixture of abstract works and classic pieces like Torso de Hombre con Cabeza, a robust piece of a man’s head and torso; and Oso, a young grizzly bear. Of particular interest are Familia Sentada (seated family) and Pareja Como Columna (couple like a column). Others include Caballo (horse), Pareja Sentada (seated couple) and Mujer Recostada, another abstract piece of a woman relaxing.
Another fine example of her art can be found heading out of Torremolinos on the junction with La Colina. La Famila de Pie, a towering sculpture of a family standing, was said to have been influenced by Henry Moore, a renowned English abstract sculptor.
Elena Laverón’s sculptures can also be found in numerous locations in Málaga, as well as in Benalmádena and Estepona.
