Art and real estate, or how a sculpture by Jordi Diez traveled from Spain to Poland
Are luxury real estate properties solely about square meters, spectacular views, and refined design? For us at Dream Property, it is something much more. It is a unique living space that should express the passions, emotions, and individual sensitivity of the owners. The true magic begins when: top-tier art, exceptional architecture, and real estate come together.
What will you find in the article?
Today, I want to tell you an extraordinary, anecdote-filled story about how a spectacular, 250-kilogram sculpture by an outstanding Spanish master ended up straight in the garden of our Clients in Poland. It was a journey spanning hundreds of kilometers, full of emotions, held breaths, and scenes straight out of a cult Polish comedy.
Jordi Diez: master of stainless steel and creator of the Parisian monument to Rafa Nadal
Before we proceed to the journey itself, it is worth introducing the artist’s profile, because we are dealing with an absolutely remarkable creator. Jordi Díez Fernandez is one of the most important and highly regarded contemporary Spanish artists. Over the years he experimented with various materials such as stone, wood, and clay, but ultimately entirely devoted himself to working with stainless steel. In this harsh and extremely demanding material, he achieved absolute mastery, combining precise figurative expression with modern deconstruction and a unique play of light.
He gained worldwide recognition, among others, for the monumental sculpture of Rafael Nadal, unveiled on May 27, 2021, at the entrance to the legendary Roland Garros complex in Paris. This work was placed just next to the Jardin des Mousquetaires before the tournament during which the Spanish champion was fighting for his 14th title. Jordi Diez immortalized Nadal in one of his characteristic, extremely dynamic shots—in a gesture of pure strength, concentration, and sporting passion that has permanently entered the history of world sports.
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The work “Ouverture”: 2.5 meters of monumental form
When our Clients decided to commission an original work from Jordi Diez, we immediately knew that something unique, art with a capital “A,” would be created. The choice fell on a sculpture titled “Ouverture.” It is a monumental yet “light” composition nearly 2.5 meters tall and weighing around 250 kilograms, made from intricately welded elements of shining stainless steel.
“Ouverture” wonderfully plays with space and sun rays, creating an openwork, airy structure. It is art that you simply cannot pass by indifferently. Since I was involved in the process of purchasing the sculpture by our Clients from the very beginning, I could not miss out on the grand finale! So, I flew to Poland for two days to assist with ongoing communication, document the installation process of the sculpture, and share the joy of the result with the owners.
Of course, logistics for artworks of this scale could not go without unexpected adventures!
Assembly mission: an operator straight out of the series “Alternatywy 4”
My first surprise was the driver and crane operator, all in one person, who delivered the sculpture straight from Spain and was tasked with precisely placing it in the designated spot in the garden.
Do you remember the old Polish film “Alternatywy 4”? This gentleman could have played the crane operator there without any makeup! A beret worn askew, a dental appearance of “every other tooth missing,” and a prominent belly used to support crossed arms. His first sentence right after “hola!” was: “This can’t be done.” It took a lot not to burst out laughing.
Ultimately, it was possible because our Clients were perfectly prepared—they called on their trusted staff for help. So the crane operator demonstrated only raising the sculpture and placing it behind the property gate. He was so pleased with this that while retracting the crane arm, he snagged electrical cables, leaving half the neighborhood without power!
After this spectacular incident, we decided it might be better if he did not assist further in assembling the sculpture. The task was performed perfectly and safely by the Clients’ employees. The “Ouverture” sculpture was placed in a beautiful spot and looks as if it was created to be exactly there.
Synergy of art and real estate at Dream Property
This story, which we remember today with a broad smile, perfectly shows our philosophy: a home is much more than walls; it is a space filled with passions, emotions, beauty, and unique architectural details.
We talked about it in episode #5 of our podcast: Dream Property Talks – Costa unfiltered.
I love this synergy between real estate and art! I enjoy participating in such projects and gladly involve Dream in them in various roles: last year as co-organizer of the exhibition of sculptures by Mr. Jerzy Kędziora in Estepona, and recently as a sponsor of the International Collage Exhibition in Warsaw.
We are working to create more such synergies, and I hope that very soon I will be able to invite you to another event with our participation.
