Eugenio Merino revives Franco in a fridge, now as captain of 'Marca España'
Eugenio Merino has recreated his hyperrealistic sculpture of Francisco Franco, titled 'Always Franco', nearly identical to the 2012 version that was displayed at ARCO art fair. The new installation depicts the dictator in the white uniform of Captain General of the Navy, symbolizing the whitening of the Franco dictatorship over nearly five decades of democracy and the regime's rhetoric presenting him as the helmsman of Spain. In 2012, the original work led to a lawsuit from the Francisco Franco National Foundation (FNFF), which Merino won, asserting his freedom to use Franco's figure as others had done before.
Key facts
- Eugenio Merino created a new hyperrealistic installation titled 'Always Franco'.
- The sculpture shows Franco in a white Captain General of the Navy uniform.
- The work is almost identical to the one presented at ARCO in 2012.
- The 2012 version depicted Franco inside a fridge simulating a soft drink brand.
- The 2012 work led to a lawsuit from the Francisco Franco National Foundation (FNFF).
- Merino won the lawsuit, claiming freedom to use Franco's figure.
- The uniform symbolizes the whitening of the dictatorship over nearly five decades of democracy.
- The installation critiques the regime's rhetoric presenting Franco as helmsman of Spain.
Entities
Artists
- Eugenio Merino
Institutions
- Francisco Franco National Foundation (FNFF)
- ARCO
Locations
- Spain