Gazing up at this towering sculpture, what do you think it represents? This is Los caminos de la justicia hacia el siglo XXII. It is a monumental sculpture by Sebasti\u00e1n. This artwork stands tall at 40 meters. It graces the Avenida Insurgentes next to the Estadio Ol\u00edmpico Universitario.
Los caminos de la justicia hacia el siglo XXII translates to The Paths of Justice Toward the 22nd Century. The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation and the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary commissioned it. They wanted a symbol that would resonate through time.
Sebasti\u00e1n, the artist, did not charge for his work. Two companies donated the steel and paint. This shows a commitment to art and justice. The sculpture took eight months to create.
The sculpture’s white color is important. Sebasti\u00e1n envisioned justice as white. The paths of justice should be white as we move toward the 22nd century. He sees white as a receiver of light. Justice should be a receiver of light.
Los caminos de la justicia hacia el siglo XXII represents balance. It is an ancestral symbol of justice. The sculpture features a balance scale. This scale has always represented equilibrium for justice.
Sebasti\u00e1n describes the sculpture as two worlds. They appear different from different positions. However, they weigh the same. Depending on your perspective, one is left and the other is right. They journey from one side to the other.
The sculpture includes conical rods. These symbolize space-time. Sebasti\u00e1n believes justice is generated within space-time.
Los caminos de la justicia hacia el siglo XXII is not a critique. It is not a political statement. Sebasti\u00e1n calls it an artistic proposal. He acknowledges his work has political undertones. He says his art is abstract. It has many layers of symbolism.
Mar\u00eda del Carmen Alan\u00eds Figueroa spoke at the inauguration. She asked people to reflect on the direction of justice. She proposed applying fundamental rights. She also mentioned the constitutional state. Democracy and global justice are important to her.
The artist wants the viewers to interpret the sculpture. He hopes they find their own meaning in it. The abstract nature of Los caminos de la justicia hacia el siglo XXII encourages personal reflection.
The UNAM Rector, Jos\u00e9 Narro, also spoke. He asked for outrage against inequality. He urged people to solve Mexico’s problems. Poverty, ignorance, and injustice still plague Mexico.
Los caminos de la justicia hacia el siglo XXII weighs about 250 tons. It is the ninth sculpture of the National University. It is a cultural treasure. It stands alongside works by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Juan O’Gorman.
As you leave, consider Sebasti\u00e1n’s words. The sculpture’s message is there for you to discover. What paths of justice do you see leading to the 22nd century?