The sculpture series “Peine del Viento XV” is one of the most important works by Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Created on the basis of the architectural work of Basque architect Luis Peña Ganchegui, the sculptures emphasize the power and beauty of nature with their curved, massive forms.
Chillida worked on a total of 23 such sculptures between 1952 and 1999. Most impressive, however, are the three massive steel sculptures at the western end of La Concha Bay in San Sebastián. Their rusty surface and curved shapes create a strong contrast to the rough, natural rocks and the background of the ocean. They symbolize the relationship between man and nature – they represent the power and constancy of the natural elements, especially the wind and the sea.
“I never chose this place. The place chose me.”
Eduardo Chillida
This is because the sculptures interact with their natural surroundings in an impressive way. In stormy seas, when the waves crash against the rocks with all their force, the sculptures are enveloped by water and spray. Under the platform from which the sculptures can be viewed, there is a cavity with nozzles through which air and water jets can escape upwards when the waves are strong.
Each of these artworks weighs around ten tons and was transported to the site by helicopter, where they were placed on specially constructed rails and finally installed in 1977. The city of San Sebastián covered the costs for the production and installation of the sculptures, while Chillida himself waived his fee.
With “Peine del Viento XV”, Eduardo Chillida left behind a unique work of art that makes the raw forces of nature tangible.
