Sculptor Patxi Xabier Lezama is bringing the symbolic universe of Basque Country to international audiences through Pantheon of Euskal Herria, a series of 30 sculptures that reinterpret Basque mythological characters and stories from a contemporary perspective.
The project connects cultural heritage with universal themes such as the relationship between humanity and nature, attachment to territory, collective memory and identity. Rather than reproducing the past, Lezama transforms orally transmitted traditions into a modern visual language that engages audiences beyond the Basque cultural context
A central element of the initiative is its presence in New York, one of the world’s leading art markets. Through participation in ArtExpo New York, the World Congress of Art and Culture, the International Art Fair Metaverse and exhibitions at venues such as El Barrio’s Artspace and La Nacional, Basque imagery enters highly visible international circuits.
This New York foothold provides access to global collectors, curators and institutions, reinforcing the image of the Basque Country as a source of contemporary cultural innovation. By positioning Basque mythology in a global art capital, the project turns heritage into a platform for cultural diplomacy, market opportunities and dialogue with other traditions.
Last September, the visibility of his work was further amplified when an image of his sculpture Mari was projected on one of the city’s largest screens. The image of the Basque goddess appeared for 15 seconds every hour throughout the day on 6 September on the screen located at 1560 Broadway, one of New York’s most tourist-heavy locations.
Lezama’s work shows how local identity can be combined with a language accessible to international audiences. Pantheon of Euskal Herria presents Basque mythology as a living legacy, projecting Basque Country´s memory into the twenty-first century through high-profile exhibitions in New York.