Marbella’s former Town Planning Consultant’s Art Works go on Sale
Famous for its many fine galleries, Marbella is hardly ever out of the headlines when it comes to the disposal and acquisition of art works. At the end of June, art works amassed by Marbella’s former town planning consultant will go on sale at the Fernando Durán auction house in Madrid, giving local art aficionados the chance to purchase some of the items for the Marbella holiday homes.
Corrupt town planning consultant Juan Antonio Roca was one of the main villains in the infamous “Malaya” case. Now his private collection goes on sale at a starting price of 1.4 million Euros. There are 393 lots in total at the auction, of which 60 per cent stem from Roca’s private collection.
Speaking with Europa Press, a spokesperson for the auction house explained that the collection was of “exquisite taste”, including works from the painters of the École de Paris group (Bores, Manuel Ángeles Ortiz, Serna), the El Paso group of artists (Feito, Canogar, Chirino, Millares, Saura) and drawings from masters Miró, Buthaud, Rodin and Toulouse-Lautrec. Also for sale are art works from the Grupo de Cuenca, which includes artists Rueda, Sempere and Mompó. In addition, there is lithography by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring’s “Barking Dog” from 1989, and 13 splendid ceramics by Pablo Picasso.
It’s not just art lovers who will be able to get their hands on some of Roca’s prized possessions. Fans of classic cars will have an opportunity to acquire six luxury vehicles formerly owned by Marbella’s town planning consultant. It’s the first time for Spain to take this measure in an effort to recoup costs of a long-drawn out legal battle and to compensate tax payers. The six luxury vehicles to go on sale in Madrid will be a Ferrari, Bentley, Citroen DS 21 Pallas, Seat 600, Rolls-Royce and a Harley Davidson motorcycle former owned by King Juan Carlos.
Art for Relaxation’s Sake
Marbella is a popular art retreat for holidaymakers with a creative streak. There are numerous art schools and creative initiatives where people of all ages and levels of skill can get involved.
Meta Wolters, who founded and runs art school El Rosario, offers budding artists the chance to take either private lessons or join classes with a maximum of seven people. Here beginners can discover not just the techniques involved in creating oil or water colour paintings, but learn about the materials it takes to create art works, such as how to mix colours and buy the right brushes that will last, how to employ composition to create a challenging and interesting work of art. Situated in the charming village of El Rosario some six kilometres east of central Marbella, the school’s immediate environment boasts excellent light and lovely sea views.
At Art Child in Puerto Banus children of all ages discover many different types of art, not just painting, but making music, learning other languages and even how to put on make-up or how to cook delicious, but simple meals. The teacher can either come to the child’s home or lessons can take place at the teacher’s own home. (Tel. (0034) 616 839 983/ (0034) 699 336 329, email info@artchild.es ).
Local artists Terry Durham offers art classes in Calle Santa Ana, Alora, for children, starting at 3 pm on Tuesday afternoons. Adult artists are welcome to join Terry on Thursday mornings at 10.30 am at restaurant Casa de Correos, a tapas bar where the relaxed and informal classes are held. (tel (0034) 952 498 027/0034 608 925 992, email gsts1961@hotmail.com).
It is questionable whether Pablo Picasso would have approved of the activities of Ceramics by Messy Monsters, a cheerful art class for children and adults offered in Calahonda. However, everybody attending classes here is having a fun-packed time. While grown-ups get to grips with the intricacies of bisque pottery, kids can learn canvas painting in this relaxed and friendly studio. Child hand- and footprints, birthday parties and special art events are also part of the customer service. (tel. (0034) 657 397 608, email info@ceramicsbymessymonsters.com).
Some of wealthiest Marbella holiday home owners will undoubtedly be bidding for Roca’s famous art collection, but one wonders if those creating their own masterpieces are not infinitely happier in the long run!