The Port of Málaga defends the giant sculptures but clarifies that it will be a "temporary exhibition"

The Port of Málaga defends the giant sculptures that will be installed in a few weeks at its main entrance against the harsh criticism from the Royal ... Academy of Fine Arts of San Telmo. It also clarifies to "calm" spirits: it is a "temporary exhibition". The president of the Port Authority, Carlos Rubio, expresses his "respect" for the opinion of the academics, but with nuances: he denies that the pieces obstruct mobility or alter visibility, and recalls that the project was approved months ago in a board of directors with representatives from the City Council, the Junta de Andalucía, and the Government Subdelegation. "It has not been done unilaterally," he points out.

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The Academy of San Telmo criticizes the 'excessive sculptures' of the Port, more typical of the 'Marvel universe'

The Academy of San Telmo publicly expressed yesterday, through a statement, its strong rejection of the "excessive sculptures," more typical of the "Marvel universe," which in their opinion will alter the urban landscape. It is a sculptural ensemble of four pieces: a giant Neptune and Venus in bronze, guarded by two lions. Only the sea god is 8 meters tall and weighs two tons, and carries in his right arm a fishing net, cast in bronze and 24-karat gold. They will be placed on concrete pedestals, which have already begun to be erected. Although the pieces have been donated by the artist, their placement will cost the Port 69,776.27 euros (including VAT) and is expected to be completed in February.

Carlos Rubio emphasizes the "temporary" nature of this installation, which adds to other sculptural proposals that have been seen at the Port. "It is not the first, but it is the largest and most striking," he maintains. The duration will depend on the agreement reached with the artist, but for now, a maximum of 25 years has been approved. "Once the agreed period is over, the sculptures will be dismantled and the pedestals removed," he points out. A term that, if deemed appropriate, could even be reduced to one year.

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The president of the Port Authority also denies that the ensemble interrupts mobility and creates a barrier, as criticized by the Academy of San Telmo. "It has been studied very well and does not affect circulation at all. Let's not forget that the crosswalk, which provides access from Plaza de la Marina to the Port, is on one side of the columns, and the walkway where people walk, passes right between the columns and the roadway, so it does not affect at all," he specifies. Nor does it prevent, the Port defends, the visibility of symbols such as the Lighthouse or the relief of San Ciriaco and Santa Paula. "It is designed so that the view is clear and sharp," he points out.

He also regrets the "disdain" shown towards the artist's career, with an "important international career and sculptures displayed in many cities around the world." "He deserves respect," he concludes.