Sculptor Sparks Controversy with Vinícius Júnior’s ‘Gift’ Artwork
Table of Contents
- 1. Sculptor Sparks Controversy with Vinícius Júnior’s ‘Gift’ Artwork
- 2. How does Victor Navarro Granero’s “Cagalo d’Or” sculpture reflect the broader cultural conversation surrounding satire and its limits in a polarized world?
- 3. Sculptor victor Navarro Granero on “Cagalo d’Or” Controversy
- 4. Archyde: Let’s talk about your “Cagalo d’Or” sculpture. It’s certainly gotten a lot of attention. What was the inspiration behind it ?
- 5. Archyde: some people have criticized it as being offensive to Vinícius Júnior. How do you respond to that?
- 6. Archyde: The reaction to your artwork has been quiet intense.Have you been surprised by the level of negativity?
- 7. Archyde: What message do you hope people take away from your sculpture?
- 8. Archyde: Do you think it’s getting harder to satirize today’s world,with everything being so polarized?
Spanish sculptor Victor Navarro Granero found himself at the center of a fiery controversy after creating a provocative artwork featuring Real Madrid’s star player, Vinícius Júnior. The two-meter-tall sculpture depicted the Brazilian footballer holding a golden… well, poop.
Granero’s controversial creation was a commentary on Vinícius Júnior’s runner-up position in the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, which was ultimately claimed by Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The golden excrement was a satirical jab at Real Madrid’s audacious declaration of Vinícius Júnior’s impending Ballon d’Or win, which ultimately proved premature.
Accompanying the sculpture was a pointed text: ”Vinícius Júnior is watering the garden with his cry, Real Madrid wants to cheer him up and gives him the ‘cagaló d’or’ (gold poop). They are crocodile tears that will make him flee by boat, and who makes a kind defense, obviously, are the AS and the brand (Spanish sports newspapers).”
The artwork, created for the Fallas de Valencia, a vibrant annual festival in Spain known for its satirical ‘ninots’ or figurines, ignited anger among Real Madrid supporters. Granero, surprised by the intense backlash, expressed his dismay.
“I’m surprised by what is happening. The valence party is precisely that, playing, satirizing without intention of offending or belittling someone. I received so many horrible threats and words that I had to put all my social networks in private mode. Peopel lose respect on the internet and think they can say what they want through networks,”
he lamented.
The artist emphasized that he wasn’t personally targeting Vinícius Júnior but rather critiquing Real Madrid’s overhyped expectations surrounding the Ballon d’Or. “The satire itself is not directly to the player, but to Real Madrid, who made the biggest fuss saying that he would win the Golden Ball last year and, seeing that Vinicius would not be the winner, the club decided not to go to the award delivery. The striker’s ninot is really a joke for the tantrum of the merengue team,” he clarified.
Granero’s controversial creation serves as a potent reminder that satire, while intended to spark discussion and provoke thought, can also be misconstrued and fuel passionate responses.
Spanish sculptor Victor navarro Granero recently sparked controversy with his artwork featuring Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and a golden…well, you know.We caught up with Granero to discuss the artwork, the backlash, and the power of satire in a world where everyone feels entitled to an opinion.
Archyde: Let’s talk about your “Cagalo d’Or” sculpture. It’s certainly gotten a lot of attention. What was the inspiration behind it ?
Victor Navarro Granero: It’s inspired by the Fallas de Valencia, a festival known for its satirical ‘ninots’. I wanted to satirize Real Madrid’s bold claims about Vinícius Júnior winning the Ballon d’Or, claims that ultimately proved premature. The golden excrement is, of course, a playful jab at the club’s overhyped expectations.
Archyde: some people have criticized it as being offensive to Vinícius Júnior. How do you respond to that?
Granero: The satire is not directed at Vinícius Júnior personally. It’s aimed at Real Madrid’s clumsy handling of the situation and their overblown declarations. My work is meant to provoke thought and discussion, not to belittle or embarass individuals.
Archyde: The reaction to your artwork has been quiet intense.Have you been surprised by the level of negativity?
Granero: Yes, I was surprised. The Fallas are all about playfully poking fun at institutions and figures. The internet, sadly, sometimes loses that sense of humor and allows for a lot of personal attacks. I received many threats, which forced me to temporarily close my social media accounts.
Archyde: What message do you hope people take away from your sculpture?
Granero: I hope it encourages people to think critically about the messages they encounter, especially those related to sports and fame. Sometimes, it’s significant to laugh at ourselves and the hyperbolic narratives that surround us.
Archyde: Do you think it’s getting harder to satirize today’s world,with everything being so polarized?
Granero: That’s a good question. I think satire always walks a tightrope, but in today’s world, the lines can become blurred. It’s important to be mindful of potential hurt feelings, but not shy away from challenging the status quo and holding powerful institutions accountable. What do you think? Is satire losing its edge?
