43 pillars
The 43 pillars sustaining the 3 buildings of Azkuna Zentroa symbolise the millions of columns, and infinity of cultures, architectures, wars and religions through which man has passed throughout history. Lorenzo Baraldi, the Italian stage designer, has materialised Philippe Starck’s cinematographic vision of this space in his own particular interpretation of the place.
Entering the Azkuna Zentroa Atrium of Cultures is to immerse oneself in the journey through the cultural and geographical diversity which has influenced the evolution of humanity. A journey for which there is no charted route since everyone may contribute with their own vision to create their own itinerary awakening their capacity to invent stories. The only priority in the arrangement of these sculptures was not to put columns of the same material or similar style together, so each one would have its fair importance and relevance. This journey is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of art in our lives even when we are not aware of it.
MATERIALS
The choice of materials to manufacture the 43 columns is also a journey through the history of the raw materials. First the oldest were chosen, such as marble, brick, wood and bronze. Then, by way of testimony to modern times, cement and steel. And finally, two elements used since ancient times were proposed, yet are virtually unknown, namely Lecce stone and glazed terracotta.
THE CRAFTS MEN
The hands of 120 people have made this staging a reality. Operatives, sculptors, painters and architects have devoted both body and soul to a commission which, in many cases, represented a professional challenge. Hence, the columns are also a tribute to craftsmanship, to attention to detail, the most tradition way of working, although modern techniques have been employed in their manufacture. (www.azkunazentroa.eus/az/ingl/home/visit-azkuna-zentroa/t...)
If you click around on that page you'll come across a flyer that's giving loads of details to every column.
43 pillars
The 43 pillars sustaining the 3 buildings of Azkuna Zentroa symbolise the millions of columns, and infinity of cultures, architectures, wars and religions through which man has passed throughout history. Lorenzo Baraldi, the Italian stage designer, has materialised Philippe Starck’s cinematographic vision of this space in his own particular interpretation of the place.
Entering the Azkuna Zentroa Atrium of Cultures is to immerse oneself in the journey through the cultural and geographical diversity which has influenced the evolution of humanity. A journey for which there is no charted route since everyone may contribute with their own vision to create their own itinerary awakening their capacity to invent stories. The only priority in the arrangement of these sculptures was not to put columns of the same material or similar style together, so each one would have its fair importance and relevance. This journey is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of art in our lives even when we are not aware of it.
MATERIALS
The choice of materials to manufacture the 43 columns is also a journey through the history of the raw materials. First the oldest were chosen, such as marble, brick, wood and bronze. Then, by way of testimony to modern times, cement and steel. And finally, two elements used since ancient times were proposed, yet are virtually unknown, namely Lecce stone and glazed terracotta.
THE CRAFTS MEN
The hands of 120 people have made this staging a reality. Operatives, sculptors, painters and architects have devoted both body and soul to a commission which, in many cases, represented a professional challenge. Hence, the columns are also a tribute to craftsmanship, to attention to detail, the most tradition way of working, although modern techniques have been employed in their manufacture. (www.azkunazentroa.eus/az/ingl/home/visit-azkuna-zentroa/t...)
If you click around on that page you'll come across a flyer that's giving loads of details to every column.