Faced with the controversy, the almost naked giant has moved
She hadn’t been seen. A statue more than two meters high, three long and 650 kg, had put down its luggage on November 18, 2021 on the Place Saint-Etienne in Toulouse. But as soon as you settle in the pink city, this work representing a dancer thrown back, thighs spread and almost naked a mover owed.
Some residents had complained about the “Salt Giant” to the surprise of the Alain Daudet gallery, responsible for the exhibition of works by Coderch and Malavia. They said to each other annoyed by his presence in front of a religious building. Inspired by Japanese butoh dance, this statue by Spanish sculptors Joan Codech and Javier Malavia actually faced Saint Stephen’s Cathedral.
The statue visible in Toulouse until the end of the year
The Toulouse town hall had then asked the gallery to move it just a few hours after installation. It is now chosen made. Composed of steel powder and polyester, the dancer took his place not far from the Jean-Jaurès metro exit. He has been present for a few days on the François Mitterrand esplanade. According to the municipality, his transfer was planned from the start.
It remains to be seen whether the statue will be controversial or not in this part of the pink city. A chosen one is sure, it will be much more visible there. Already exhibited in Sweden, Germany and Italy, the “Salt Giant” will be in Toulouse throughout the exhibition of other sculptures by Spanish artists at the Alain Daudet gallery. The statue should thus be present on the esplanade at least until the end of the year.