Thirteen meters tall it stands. A giant sun with legs. This is El Sol Bipedal the Two-footed Sun a monumental sculpture. It’s a vibrant yellow now a cheerful contrast to its original terracotta hue.
El Sol Bipedal is more than just a pretty face. It’s a piece of history. Created by Hungarian artist Pierre Szekely it was part of the Route of Friendship. This Route was built to celebrate the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. This artwork was Station #5 and represented both Hungary and France. Szekely lived in France at the time he designed this incredible work of art.
The sculpture is unique. Its organic form sets it apart from other works along the Route of Friendship. Most of the others have geometric shapes. El Sol Bipedal however is all flowing curves and uneven surfaces. It’s a fascinating mix of raw texture and bold color.
Szekely himself wasn’t initially happy with the terracotta color. It was changed to the sunshine yellow during a 2000 restoration. The artist felt the yellow better reflected his artistic vision. A second restoration took place in 2005 with support from TV Azteca. Arte & Cultura Grupo Salinas now maintains El Sol Bipedal ensuring this iconic landmark continues to stand tall. And that’s quite a legacy to leave. The words of Szekely ring true: “Time passes without being able to do anything about it My sculptures are timeless signs of humanity whose only reason for existing is to give pleasure”. This is certainly the case with El Sol Bipedal a breathtaking sculpture that continues to inspire and delight. Look at its majestic form. Feel its timeless message. This is a truly special sculpture and a very important part of Mexico City’s artistic heritage.