Abu Dhabi, 24 December 2018 to 24 January 2019 'ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength' First Solo Exhibition by the Spanish-German sculptor Damián Valles Castro at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. In seven large-sized reliefs individual aspects are depicted which, in abstract form, symbolize sources (founts) from which the people in the United Arab Emirates draw their almost inexhaustible strength and motivation to accomplish the most difficult challenges and to achieve even the most ambitious goals. Faith and Prayer

Family

Nature

Water

Light

Unity and Cohesion

Tradition, Stability, Continuity

The artist, Damián Valles Castro, applied a wide range of manufacturing and processing techniques in this series. In addition to various, sometimes very filigree carving and grinding techniques, a highly sensitive sandblasting treatment, as an intermediate step, was also used for the first time in one of the works. Impressive light and shadow effects as well as the perceptible visual haptics contribute to the fascination that each individual exhibit evokes. The viewer is inspired to open up their space for creative interpretations and to mentally connect with the creator of the works. The overall aim of the exhibition is to widen the understanding of the many different cultures in and related to the United Arab Emirates and to further deepen the existing sincere friendships between them. All reliefs are made of finest lime wood. Size approx. 3.00m x 1.00m. For any questions please contact us by email at

info@damianvallescastro.art

About the artist Sculptor Damián Valles Castro is a master craftsman of filigree art and a virtuoso woodcarver. Born in Galicia in northwestern Spain Castro first came to Germany in the early 90s. Since then he has impressed not just experts with his passion for wood as a perfect base material for his artwork. His discerning eye for the best possible material and his keen perception for form and shape, along with his absolute drive for perfection in woodcarving are the talents and abilities which make him unique. The artist experiments occasionally with different surface treatments such as sandblasting. He also uses pigments and other ornate coatings such as gold leaf, silver or bronze, which at times completely hide the base material, wood. Unlike any other artist Damián Valles Castro embeds his work so harmoniously in its setting that one gets the impression that the room or areas surrounding his art were made only to frame it. Besides many commissions that he has created for renowned architects, interior designers and museums, his work is increasingly attracting the attention of major collectors and influential institutional investors. Further information about the artist including many photos of his diverse art as well as references and contacts can be found on his Website: www.damianvallescastro.art About the exhibition location:

Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality. Welcoming world leaders, business travellers and holiday-makers from around the world, Emirates Palace offers a memorable and unique experience unparalleled in Abu Dhabi through contemporary facilities and personalised service.

Situated on 1.3 km of private beach, Emirates Palace comprises 394 rooms and suites carefully designed and furnished to offer guests superior comfort and luxury. With spectacular views of the manicured lawns or the glistening blue waves of the Arabian Sea, every room promises a palatial experience. A variety of thirteen award winning restaurants, cafés, lounges and bars highlight cuisines from around the world. The resort’s leisure facilities include two outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pools, the Emirates Palace Spa, tennis courts, a marina and state of the art fitness centres.

Emirates Palace is the premier meeting and conference destination in Abu Dhabi, attracting business drivers and influential decision makers from around the world. With a total meeting and conference space exceeding 23,000 square feet, Emirates Palace has hosted spectacular events, such as the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Tennis at the Palace and the Coutts Polo at the Palace.

Emirates Palace Hotel West Corniche Road P.O. Box 39999, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 (0) 2 690 9000 Website: www.emiratespalace.ae

Damián Valles Castro

' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength '

Exhibition at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi List of exhibits ' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength ' - Tradition, Stability, Continuity Relief made of limewood, approx. 3.00m x 1.00m (incl. frame - as part of the artwork) ' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength ' - Family Relief made of limewood, approx. 3.00m x 1.00m (incl. frame - as part of the artwork) ' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength ' - Unity and Cohesion Relief made of limewood, approx. 3.00m x 1.00m (incl. frame - as part of the artwork)

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Photos Damián Valles Castro

- page 2 - ' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength ' - Faith and Prayer Relief made of limewood, approx. 3.00m x 1.00m (incl. frame - as part of the artwork) ' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength ' - Light Relief made of limewood, approx. 3.00m x 1.00m (incl. frame - as part of the artwork) ' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength ' - Nature Relief made of limewood, approx. 3.00m x 1.00m (incl. frame - as part of the artwork)

' ESENCIALISMO - 7 Founts of Strength ' - Water Relief made of limewood, approx. 3.00m x 1.00m (incl. frame - as part of the artwork)

Photos Damián Valles Castro