Isn’t it intriguing how art can transform a space? Today we are standing before the Mandala del Parque.
The Mandala del Parque. is located in the Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua. This park is the largest urban park in South America. It spans 1376 acres. That’s larger than New York’s Central Park. The Parque Metropolitano is considered the lungs of Quito. Its air is much fresher than in the busy city.
The Mandala del Parque. itself is a work by Portuguese artist Alberto Carneiro. It is known as inverted trees. It features seven inverted trees. Their roots are exposed. Three large stones sit within concentric circles on the ground. The artist aimed to return nature to its place poetically. It’s a call for ecological and life respect.
The sculptures in Parque Metropolitano were installed in 1998. The city’s Parks and Gardens Department organized the First International Symposium of Public Sculpture. Twelve sculptors from around the world were invited. Three artists from Ecuador were selected via a contest. Fifteen works were to be installed. Ultimately only thirteen were installed in the park. Eleven were by foreign artists and two by Ecuadorian sculptors. The works were created in the Public Art Workshop. Resources came from the Municipal Public Works Company. Private companies also supported the project.
Besides the Mandala del Parque., you can also find other artworks here such as the Columns by Saturo Sato from Japan. This sculpture is made of concrete prisms. People often climb on them for balance or rest. Another artwork is the Inducción cromática ecuatoriana by Carlos Cruz Diez from Venezuela. It is known as The Rainbow. It is made of a concrete arch covered in colored tiles and aluminum stripes.
When you visit the Mandala del Parque., remember its message. It is a reminder of nature’s beauty. It also serves as a call to protect our environment. This unique artwork enriches Quito’s cultural landscape. It makes the Parque Metropolitano a special place. Take a moment to appreciate the art. Think about its deeper meaning. The Mandala del Parque. invites reflection and appreciation. It blends art and nature seamlessly.