“Anemone” is what the locals fondly call it. This is not some sea creature. We are standing before the Feixe Sculpture. It is more formally known as “She Changes”. This monumental artwork graces the Cidade Salvador Plaza. It’s right here in Porto and Matosinhos in Portugal.
Have you ever wondered about this giant net-like structure dancing in the wind? The Feixe Sculpture has a fascinating story. Janet Echelman, an American artist, designed this beauty. The Feixe Sculpture was erected in 2005. It serves as a tribute to Matosinhos. It’s a place deeply rooted in fishing traditions.
Look closer. The Feixe Sculpture is held aloft by three imposing metal posts. The net has a diameter of 42 meters. It sways rhythmically. Its movements mimic those of anemones. That explains the nickname. The Feixe Sculpture is in constant flux. “She Changes” is indeed an apt name.
The Feixe Sculpture wasn’t always in such great condition. Around 2007, it began to deteriorate rapidly. This was because of the harsh maritime weather. An agreement was struck. Janet Echelman would fund the net’s replacement. It was meant to last at least five years.
Imagine the Feixe Sculpture at night. A lighting system once illuminated the garden beneath it. This accentuated the net’s swaying motion. Sadly, vandals destroyed the lights. The damage amounted to a staggering 20.000€. The mayor appealed to the public. He asked for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The Feixe Sculpture uses color and material. It evokes memories of the site’s past. This was once a thriving fishing and industrial hub. The Feixe Sculpture is a three-dimensional net. It floats gracefully. It is above the Cidade Salvador Plaza. It was the first permanent public sculpture. It used entirely soft flexible membranes. These membranes move fluidly in the wind.
The Feixe Sculpture casts shadows onto the ground. These shadows highlight the wind’s choreography. Porto has adopted the sculpture as its graphic symbol. Locals interpret the work in different ways. Some see fishing nets. Others see ships and masts. These are from Portugal’s maritime history. Others see the red-and-white striped smokestacks. These are of the area’s industrial past. Some even see Portuguese lace.
Three steel poles support the structure. They range from 25 to 50 meters in height. They are painted white with red stripes. This references nearby smokestacks and lighthouses. The poles support a 20-ton steel ring. The one-ton net is suspended from this ring. The ring greets the ocean at a slant. It ranges from 13.5 meters to 27 meters off the ground. The net is made of 36 mesh sections. These sections vary in density. They are hand-joined to create a multi-layered form.
Janet Echelman spent three years realizing her vision. She relied on architects, engineers, and designers. She also used fabricators. The final result is a testament to her dedication. The engineers she consulted praised her ability. She could see the parts in relation to the whole. She kept the project moving steadily toward completion.
The Feixe Sculpture evokes multiple associations. It relates to Echelman’s earlier works. It also relates to its context. One can see the connection to fishing nets. These nets have played a vital role in the region’s economy for centuries. One might also envision sea creatures.
The mental acuity to keep these polarities in focus. This is largely responsible for the success of She Changes. It is to be hoped that her work will continue to evolve new ideas. It will not become an emblematic logo.
So next time you see the Feixe Sculpture. Remember its story. It’s a tale of art. It is about history. It is also about the enduring spirit of Porto.