Rising like a splinter of steel, have you noticed that intriguing structure near Sete Rios train station? It’s not just an electricity pole. It is the Sete Rios Sculpture.
The Sete Rios Sculpture is a work by Portuguese artist José Aurélio. Inaugurated in 1999, the Sete Rios Sculpture has become a landmark in Lisbon. José Aurélio is a respected sculptor. He was born in Alcobaça where he still lives and works. He graduated in Sculpture from the School of Fine Arts of Lisbon.
The Sete Rios Sculpture stands tall amidst the urban landscape. It rises over the noise of the city. The sculpture crosses the city at the epicenter of a knot of streets and bridges. It cuts orthogonally to the train lines. The Sete Rios Sculpture is made of iron and other metals.
Some people may not even notice the Sete Rios Sculpture. It can easily be missed by drivers passing by. But when you realize it’s there, it commands attention. You have to stop and have a closer look at the Sete Rios Sculpture.
José Aurélio’s Sete Rios Sculpture acts as a symbolic mechanism. The Sete Rios Sculpture is like an antenna. It propagates the imagery aura of the artistic object. The Sete Rios Sculpture seems to trigger a perpetual motion. It radiates bidirectional forces from the sky and the sun. These forces bathe the territory around it. The Sete Rios Sculpture projects energies from the land. Earth and water energies scatter in the heights.
The Sete Rios Sculpture is crowned by seven dripping rivers. These evoke the name of the place where it is located. Sete Rios means Seven Rivers in Portuguese.
The Sete Rios Sculpture is a metaphorical axis in this cosmos.
Despite its strong presence, the Sete Rios Sculpture can seem lost in its location. The nearby train station often overshadows it. This artwork invites contemplation. It encourages us to see beyond the immediate surroundings. The Sete Rios Sculpture is a symbol of Lisbon’s artistic spirit. It enhances the urban environment for those who take the time to observe it.
So, the next time you’re near Sete Rios train station, take a moment. Look for the Sete Rios Sculpture. It is a testament to José Aurélio’s artistic vision. Appreciate this modern obelisk.