The UK’s leading fine art publisher, Washington Green, has released a collection of signed limited edition works celebrating Pelé, one of the world’s most iconic sporting stars, ahead of his 75th birthday this October - and you can view the selection now at Castle Galleries in thecentre:mk
A native of Brazil, Pelé enjoyed a professional career during which he scored 1,283 goals in 1,366 matches. He is the only football player to have won three World Cup tournaments and remains the top scorer in the history of the Brazil National team.
Following its highly successful ‘Art Life Football – The Herrera Archive’ released earlier this year –featuring images of Pelé on and off the field – Washington Green’s newest collection includes Pelé-inspired artwork from a range of contemporary artists in their own inimitable styles.
The collection touches on the full spectrum of Pelé’s career – from Nic Joly’s bright, bold, wall sculptures depicting Pelé’s world famous number 10 shirt and his youth growing up in Bauru, Brazil, to figurative artist Keith Maiden’s pieces which capture the football icon’s journey from humble beginnings to global fame.
In addition, Scottish born Stuart McAlpine Miller, who uses subtle tones of paint to create the illusion of transparencies within his works, likens Pelé to that of a superhero in ‘From the Power Within’, referencing the almost mythical status he achieved during his career.
Alongside these works, the collection also includes two hand-signed photographic pieces which highlight some of Pelé’s most iconic moments on the field – his trademark bicycle kick executed successfully against Belgium in 1968, and the famous save made by Gordon Banks during the 1970 World Cup, co-signed by the two football stars.
Each of the artists who have created pieces for the collection have been personally inspired by Pelé – their individual pieces reflect not just the sporting star but the person behind the celebrity image, and his admirable rise to fame from humble beginnings," said gallery manager Peter Viet-Lu.
One of the greatest football players of all time, the exhibition celebrates Pelé’s lifetime of achievements with unique original paintings and sculptures, original artworks created by Pelé himself, alongside exciting artefacts and memorabilia, many of which have never been on public display outside of Brazil.
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do," Pele says, speaking of his achievements.
The collection will be available to view at the gallery in thecentre:mk through to October 18. 2015.
