Chillida, known for his monumental sculptures and interventions in public space, is a perfect example of how art can transform urban environments and enrich people’s everyday lives.
It is essential to recognise that art should not be confined to the confines of museums or galleries. While these spaces are important for the preservation and exhibition of works, art has a unique ability to influence people’s lives when it is in the public space. Chillida’s work, with its imposing sculptures and structures integrated into the city, demonstrates that art can become an essential element of the urban landscape, creating landmarks that connect us to our surroundings and to the cultural history of our community.
Chillida, through his works such as ‘El Peine del Viento’ in San Sebastián, or those in Gijón, Madrid or Valladolid, not only embellishes spaces, but also invites reflection. This type of sculpture is aesthetically striking, and also interacts with the natural environment, challenging perceptions and stimulating a deeper connection with the place. The experience of walking around a monumental sculpture, observing its forms and playing with its shadows transforms the act of simply being in a public space into an enriching experience.
Public art contributes to a sense of belonging and social cohesion. When a city has works of art integrated into its public spaces, they become meeting points and shared identity for the inhabitants. People begin to associate certain places with significant events, personal memories and important moments in their lives. Chillida, by inserting his sculptures into urban environments, not only creates art, but also builds emotional and cultural links between people and places.
Art in public space also has a positive impact on people’s well-being. Studies have shown that the presence of art in urban environments can improve quality of life, increase feelings of safety and foster a sense of community. Chillida’s sculptures, with their abstract forms and materials in dialogue with their surroundings, offer moments of contemplation and beauty that contribute to the emotional well-being of those who view and experience them.
The inclusion of art in public spaces also acts as a democratising agent. Unlike galleries and museums, which may be inaccessible to some people, public art is available to all. This accessibility encourages greater appreciation and participation in culture and art, integrating citizens into the cultural life of their city in an inclusive and accessible way.
It is essential to making our cities special places. These works not only beautify the urban environment, but also foster reflection, a sense of community and emotional well-being. By taking art out of museums and making it an integral part of public space, it opens a door to greater cultural appreciation and a deeper connection between people and their environment. In this way, art becomes an essential element of everyday life, transforming our cities into vibrant and meaningful settings.
Celebrating the Chillida Centenary at Chillida Leku
As part of the centenary of Eduardo Chillida’s birth, Telefónica’s Better Connected initiative immerses itself in the celebration of his life and work with a special interview with the sculptor’s grandson, Mikel Chillida, Mireia Massagué, director of the Chillida Leku museum and Estela Solana, head of exhibitions, who offer us a unique insight into the artist’s legacy. Through memories, anecdotes about the sculptor’s creative process and reflections on the influence of his work on contemporaneity, they offer a fresh and profound perspective on the meaning of Chillida’s art.
At the same time, the exhibition sponsored by Telefónica with a temporary loan of several works, celebrates Chillida’s centenary at Chillida Leku, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate his artistic genius. This exhibition, which will be on display until 12 January 2025, presents an impressive collection of the sculptor’s emblematic works, both in their monumental form and in more intimate formats.
The exhibition at Chillida Leku, combined with the interview with the grandson, offers a complete and enriching experience. It allows us not only to learn more about the context and social impact of Chillida’s art, but also to experience how his legacy continues to inspire new generations, reaffirming the importance of his influence on contemporary culture and society.
Image by Roberto Valentín Carrera
