"The work of art is not a thing, it is a happening, a process that lives through the experience of the viewer."
— Eduardo Chillida
Eduardo Chillida (1924-2002) was a renowned Spanish Basque sculptor known for his monumental abstract works. Born in San Sebastián, Chillida initially studied architecture before dedicating himself to sculpture. In the 1950s, he began working with iron and steel, developing a distinctive style that explored the relationship between void and mass.
Among his most famous works is the "Peine del Viento" series in San Sebastián, where iron sculptures interact with the sea and wind. Chillida also created notable pieces such as "Elogio del Horizonte" in Gijón and "Berlin" in Germany.
His contributions to art were recognized with numerous awards, including the Grand Prix des Arts et des Lettres in 1984 and the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts in 1987. In 1998, the Chillida-Leku Museum was opened near San Sebastián to showcase his works. Chillida passed away in 2002, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of contemporary sculpture.