The work, composed of a weave of colored fibers, represents people's relationship with time
Submitted at Feb 20, 2018, 4:37 PM
The Plaza Mayor is the center of the old part of Madrid, Spain. Built 400 years ago, in the early days of the city, it houses important historical sites, such as the Casa de la Panadería (built around 1590), the Arco de Cuchilleros and the statue of Felipe III, designed by Giambologna and positioned in the space in the mid-19th century. To celebrate Madrid's anniversary, the Plaza received, until February 19, an installation by the American artist Janet Echelman.
The work, called 1.78 Madrid , is made of colorful fibers, interwoven to form a three-dimensional sculpture that is light enough to sway in the wind. At night, projected lights intensify the hues even more.
When mounted in the Plaza Mayor , the work represents an even more significant shift, Echelman said. “For the past four hundred years, people have gathered in the Plaza Mayor to witness bullfights and the Spanish Inquisition. Today we gather with art that explores our concept of time, to discuss ideas. This is a hopeful trajectory for humanity.”
