Fantastic Illusion

A New Sculpture at the Coral Gables Museum Defies Your Eyes

By J.P. Faber / Photos by Rodolfo Benitez

The Illusion of the Bronze Sculpture “Minna” by Artist Jaume Plensa

If you have been to Millennium Park in Chicago, then you have seen his “Crown Fountain” and one of his carved heads. Likewise, his large-scale sculptures can be found in cities like Dubai, Tokyo, Toronto, and Barcelona. Now, you can add Coral Gables to places where works by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa are on display. Unveiled in December in front of the Coral Gables Museum, his sculpture “Minna” now casts its magical spell along Salzedo Street. The bronze sculpture of a woman’s face is painted white, and despite its 900-pound weight and 12-foot height, is a mere 14-inches wide. And yet, it appears fully three dimensional.

“The illusion is amazing,” says Museum Director Elvis Fuentes. “His work is all about creating tension between private and public space. Here, the contrast is between very heavy bronze and how it looks ethereal and light.”

The sculpture is part of Coral Gables’ Art in Public Places program, where developers earmark funds for public art. “Minna” was commissioned by The Constellation Group, which is building the 74-unit CORA condominium adjacent to the Shops at Merrick Park, and a low-rise office building nearby on Ponce. When CORA is completed next year, the sculpture will relocate to a 5,000-squarefoot public park fronting the building.

“The artist has a strong focus on art in public places on a worldwide level,” says Eduardo Otaola, managing principal of Constellation Group and vice chair of the Museum’s board. “From a personal standpoint, I like figurative sculpture, and it seemed appropriate for Coral Gables, given the European connections in the city… We are proud to offer this gift of art to the community.