SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Association for the Study and Safeguarding of San Miguel Arcángel’s Historical Heritage has voiced its disapproval of relocating the statue erected in Santa Cruz de Tenerife by sculptor Juan de Ávalos, as it “lacks any elements that warrant reassignment, including its name.”
This stance was articulated in a statement following notification from the Administrative Litigation Court No. 3 of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, granting their request to commence procedures for designating the Juan de Ávalos statue in Santa Cruz de Tenerife as a Cultural Interest Asset.
The Association highlights that when the statue is referred to as the Franco Monument or the Angel Monument or the Fallen Angel, it should be clarified that the official name of the piece is the Peace Monument in Tenerife, as documented in the Juan de Ávalos Foundation’s inventory of artworks.
Addressing those advocating for the reimagining of the statue, the Association points out that, as noted in the expert opinion provided in the ruling, the statue “does not display any elements of exaltation, disdain, or humiliation towards war victims”; Francisco Franco’s face “is not depicted in any component of the artwork, and the monument does not contain any overt signs or symbols alluding to anything, be it a name, explanation, or any other form.”
They further state that the figures depicted in the artwork “do not portray a belligerent stance or one that could offend anyone; they depict an angel and a warrior or soldier atop wings, with a sword shaped like a cross, which is not wielded or raised to evoke any battle or conflict.”
With these elements of the artwork in mind, the Association sees no grounds for the discussion of reassignment, as “it lacks any elements that would justify such action, not even its name.”
Emphasising its commitment to safeguarding this piece for its artistic and heritage value, the heritage protection association regards the artwork as “solely targeted due to ideological motives.”
They express hope that these clarifications, pertaining to “an eminent author, acclaimed and honoured by all academies, and a work approved by a committee including the director of the Tenerife Cultural Hall, Alfredo Reyes Darias, creator of the Menceyes in Candelaria; and Jesús Hernández Perera, history professor, who would have carefully ensured the absence of such artistic value in the work”, will be taken into account in the interest of institutional integrity.”
Finally, the Association also underlines the urban significance of the monument, noting that it “does not obstruct traffic and marks the starting or ending point of the Open Air Museum on the Rambla, spanning from its inception to Tres de Mayo, making it a magnificent and monumental addition that embellishes our city and enriches our limited artistic heritage, deserving care and preservation to continue enchanting all Canary Islanders and visitors to our region.”
