Dedos Sculpture

Beneath the clear Madrid sky, the Dedos Sculpture rises from the earth. It’s a startling sight. The Dedos Sculpture, also known as “The Fingers,” isn’t just a random collection of concrete digits. It’s a powerful piece by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. This Dedos Sculpture is actually a replica of his original “Hand of Punta del Este” in Uruguay. It first appeared in Madrid in 1987 as part of the “Chile Vive” exhibition. The Dedos Sculpture was placed near the Círculo de Bellas Artes on Alcalá Street. Later, it resided at the Conde Duque barracks before finding its permanent home here in Juan Carlos I Park in 1994. Inaugurated by the Chilean ambassador and Mayor José María Álvarez del Manzano, the Dedos Sculpture became part of the park’s Sculpture Trail. This trail winds through the park, showcasing a variety of artistic creations that blend art and nature. The Dedos Sculpture is a monumental work, crafted from white concrete. Five fingers emerge from the ground, each about 1.3 meters in diameter. They are incredibly realistic, complete with fingernails and fingerprints. The sculpture’s massive size and rough texture create a sense of both welcome and unease. It draws you in, yet also hints at a vulnerability, a surprise waiting to be unveiled within the park. A bronze plaque on a granite monolith nearby commemorates the sculpture’s inauguration in 1994, forever marking its place in Madrid’s landscape.