Manuel Carbonell Sculpture

Manuel Carbonell sculpture titled "Torso" on display at
The von Liebig Art Center.

The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center has installed a sculpture by Cuban artist Manuel Carbonell at the main entrance to the building. The work, titled "Torso" is a bronze sculpture with black patina. Carbonell is the last of the Cuban modern master sculptors of his generation. His work is often regarded alongside other internationally-known greats including Rodin, Henry Moore, Brancusi, and Lipchitz. His sculptures are unmistakably modern; he masterfully transforms metal materials such as bronze into works of beauty, grace and harmony.

Carbonell studied in the 1940s at the renowned Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artest "San Alejandro" in Havana, Cuba. In 1959, he went into exile and relocated to New York. Just four years later, he celebrated his first of seven bi-annual "One Man Show" exhibitions at the renowned Schoneman Galleries in New York City. His modern monumental works can be found all over the world including China, Panama, and throughout the United States. His pieces can also be found in the personal collections of such well-known private collectors including Burt Reynolds, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Wayne Huizenga.

"It is a privilege to display the work of such an iconic sculptor," said Executive Director, Joel Kessler. "With such a premium position at the entrance to the building, we hope this sparks an interest in those that are passing by to enter The von Liebig Art Center to see more of what we have to offer."

Although the "Cuba on My Mind" exhibition featuring works of Cuban and Cuban-American artists ends on April 30, 2011, the sculpture will remain on site for at least the next six months. The von Liebig Art Center is located at 585 Park Street in Naples, Florida and is operated by the Naples Art Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please call 239.262.6517 or naplesart.org.