Feel the wind whisper secrets through the net. This is She Changes. Locally known as anémona the anemone. It’s more than just a sculpture. It’s a testament to Porto’s spirit.
She Changes is Janet Echelman’s first permanent public art installation. A breathtaking creation of swirling nets and towering poles. The artwork is suspended over Cidade Salvador Plaza. Its design celebrates Porto and Matosinhos’ rich history. It reflects seafaring traditions and industrial heritage.
Imagine the three support poles. They’re painted like smokestacks and lighthouses. They stand tall at heights ranging from 25 to 50 meters. They hold up a massive 20-ton steel ring. From this ring hangs a one-ton net. This net is woven from 36 sections of a special material. It’s called TENARA architectural fiber. This UV-resistant material is made of PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene. The net’s design is intricate. Its varying densities create a mesmerizing shape. It’s a constantly shifting spectacle. The wind choreographs a dance of shadows on the ground below.
The net was actually taken down for repairs in 2020. It was reassembled in 2021 with new netting. She Changes isn’t just visually stunning. It’s also incredibly detailed. The intricate network of interwoven fibers is a marvel of engineering. The sculpture’s size is monumental. It’s 45 meters in diameter. The whole structure moves gracefully in the wind. It interacts with the city’s light and shadow.
She Changes is more than just a pretty sight. The city adopted the sculpture as its symbol. Citizens interpret its form in different ways. Some see fishing nets. Others see ships’ masts. Still others find similarities to Portuguese lace or sea creatures. This shows the depth of its resonance with Porto’s identity. It’s a piece of art that speaks volumes about the people and place it calls home. This remarkable sculpture won awards. It received the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network Year in Review award in 2005. It also won the Advanced Textiles Association Award of Excellence for Architectural Structures in 2006.
So as you stand before She Changes let its beauty fill your senses. Let its story inspire you. Remember its profound connection to Porto’s soul. This amazing sculpture has become a landmark. It’s a tribute to art engineering and the power of imagination. It’s truly a must-see work of art. It is a symbol that continues to evolve its narrative with every passing breeze.