Gonzalo Borondo's Chrysalis Transforms Villa Stuck Facade in Munich

Spanish artist Gonzalo Borondo has installed Chrysalis, a large-scale metal mesh artwork painted in white and gold, on the facade of Museum Villa Stuck in Munich. The piece, visible from February 8 through June 2025, reinterprets classical mythology motifs originally painted by Bavarian artist Franz von Stuck (1863–1928), whose works are housed in the museum. Curator Helena Pereña states that the installation challenges Stuck's dualistic gender vision, promoting a new masculinity free from traditional stereotypes. The title Chrysalis references the transformative stage of butterflies with golden spots, symbolizing ongoing metamorphosis for both the museum and contemporary masculinity. Borondo is known for other impactful installations including Settimo Giorno at the former Church of San Mattia in Bologna, Passage in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, and Non Plus Ultra in Rome, all characterized by strong symbolism and perspective techniques.