Escultura del Condor Sculpture

Had the Escultura del Condor always been a silent sentinel over Parque La Carolina? No. The Escultura del Condor, also known as “Encuentro del Toro y El Cóndor,” arrived in December 2019. A vibrant, 21-meter-long, 4-meter-wide spectacle of metal, fabric, LEDs, and neon, it was lit for the first time during Quito’s 485th-anniversary celebration. The sculpture, forged by artist Geovanny Verdezoto, rises from the boulevard at Naciones Unidas and De los Shyris avenues, a striking symbol of earth and sky intertwined. Verdezoto envisioned the Escultura del Condor as a reconciliation of complementary dualities. It’s a celebration of historical, popular, and mythical forces that have shaped Quito’s diverse and cosmopolitan society. Look closely. The bull doesn’t charge. The condor doesn’t fly. They stand in a silent dialogue, echoing Dávila Andrade’s call in “Cóndor Ciego” for a new era. An era of unity, where opposing forces find harmony. Verdezoto hoped the sculpture would inspire reflection and a sense of freedom. A way to reconcile the different dimensions within ourselves, to embrace our potential, and build a living narrative of our Andean existence. Originally intended as a temporary installation for December, the Escultura del Condor was so well-received that it was decided to make it a traveling exhibit. Each December, it would grace a different location, sharing its message of unity and reconciliation with a wider audience.