The story of the artist Julio Nieto and his sculpture I take it well is typical of those stories that, despite presenting drawbacks in their development, have a happy ending. It all started seven years ago when this Basque artist, based in Tenerife, decided to exhibit this work in the Plaza de España in Santa Cruz for two weeks. The sculpture, made of stainless steel, five meters high, and weighing almost 450 kilos, did not leave anyone indifferent. In fact, when people found out that their exhibition was temporary, they started a platform on Facebook to raise money, to buy the piece, and leave it permanently in the capital. At that time it was not possible, the objective was not reached, but today it is a reality. The work, which at first was to be called Atlas or The Tree of Emotions, and which evokes a human being, but in the shape of a tree, will be inaugurated next Wednesday in the Plaza de España, where it is already placed. And all this thanks to the son of the well-known driver Juan Fernández, 10 times Spanish motorsport champion, who loved Tenerife, and who died on June 22, 2020. After learning the story behind the work, he did not think twice. twice and decided to acquire it to donate it to the Island on behalf of his father. The next thing, perhaps, is a book. And it is that Julio Nieto does not rule out writing a manual with the love story between his work and the capital of Tenerife.
-What does this piece mean to you?
“The optimism of a human being, who despite all his complications and thoughts, wants to get along. Hence the title. It is the idea of the atlas, but supporting the world of thoughts that each one carries with him. And it is an important work in my career because it has marked a before and after. It is a very complete piece, both conceptually and aesthetically. And it is that, although from afar you see a tree, when you approach you discover that it is a human figure in which you can recognize yourself. And when you read those ideas from the branches, it’s easy for you to get into the room. ”
-How do you feel now that you know that the work is finally staying in Tenerife?
“Plethora and very happy, because there have been many of us who believed that this piece had to stay in Santa Cruz. Now don’t stop me on the phone. It’s one of those things that you say: my profession is worth living just for living these moments ”.
-What did you feel when the son of such an important motoring figure in Spain wanted to acquire it to give as gifts to the chicharreros?
“A very great emotion because it was someone who, without seeing her physically, but listening to the story and knowing that at the time they had not been able to reach the goal, felt that they had to do something to finally stay here.”
-The Santa Cruz City Council did not hesitate to accept the proposal, right?
“He showed absolute support. They spoke with the Councilor for Heritage and he went to the Culture area to make a report, and they were delighted. A Governing Board was held, everyone was asked, and there was no one who questioned the matter or refused to allow the sculpture to finally be installed in Santa Cruz ”.
-In which cities has it been exposed?
“In very important places. He has been in Germany, in Madrid, in Barcelona for two years, here in Tenerife … Many things had to happen and in the end they did. When I spoke with the gallery owners who were exhibiting it and I told them the stories, they all said: you have to put it up ”.
-Are you afraid it will spoil?
“No, because it is stainless steel, which is one of the best candidates to be in an outdoor site, next to the sea. It requires maintenance every few years, but it would never be destroyed. And even if it deteriorates, and remains with brown tones, for example, in the worst case, it would still have its essence because the trees are that color ”.
-Will there be a recognition for all those who bet because they stay in Tenerife?
“There will be the names of all those who put a euro so that the work would stay. Each one can be found, and that makes me a huge illusion, because surely many have forgotten. They will see that, seven years later, the piece returns to the city and what they bet on has been achieved against all odds ”.
