In the most recent decade, Madrid played a strong role in contemporary architecture, and we can say, with pride, that the expositive outlook of the world´s best architects have been show-cased in the city.
It is not easy to have the majority of observers agree on the final result of such work, especially when the language of art is not based on that which is ¨traditionally¨ beautiful.
For this reason, I especially love the controversial pieces. As an example, we can take a look at The Obelisco of Santiago Calatrava.
¨This is a moving monument that participates in the vertical of masculinity, as well as the delicate femininity of movement, this makes the piece unique, never before conceived, a relationship between the architecture, the sculpture, and the engineering.¨
I reflect upon the artist, the engineer, who created this work that was to be exposed in a public space. And not just in any space, no, but the principal entrance to the city. Marking – what the goddess Cibeles did in the 18th century – the center of the city. The lightning announces the arrival of a new day, and the monument, the arrival to the city. But tell me, who does this monolith speak to? Who was it designed for… a community of recipients or for himself? Does the work make sense without the artist in mind?
Without an observer, the work of art wouldn´t make sense. Or would it? The assistant, or recipient gives life to the piece, fills it with reason, symbolism – here interaction begins. For this reason, I especially value art that is exposed in public space, that which obliges the observers to enter into the same space, to have a dialogue with that which stands in front of him/her, making them think, opinionate, re-evaluate each time they come into contact with it. Their ideas evolve, and they become involved in the work.
Right now, I am in front of the monument. It´s night and The Obelisco is illuminated by a golden color, completely lite-up and oscillating in a gentle motion, pointing towards heaven, or maybe just pointing towards the Madrid sky. It is not necessary that you come to see it, you will stumble upon it and you will agree with me that it is truly spectacular. Stand under this piece of work and ask these questions:
What is the monolith of the modern man? Around which column do we turn?
