“Masked in feathers, the wind whispers secrets.” That’s how Jorge Marín described his vision for El Vigilante. The sculpture before you embodies a modern-day guardian. El Vigilante translates to “The Vigilant”. It is a fitting name for a sculpture that watches over the bustling highway.
This is not Periquito de Acero Sculpture. Though people may refer to it that way.
Let’s delve into the story behind this striking monument. El Vigilante stands tall on Mexican Federal Highway 85D. This highway connects Mexico City and Pachuca. It is situated between Ecatepec de Morelos and Tlalnepantla de Baz.
Jorge Marín designed El Vigilante. He wanted to create a contemporary piece. It represents the deity Ehecatl. This god is associated with the wind. The sculpture features a young man adorned with tattoos and piercings. He wears a bird mask. This is a nod to Ehecatl’s representation.
El Vigilante is a bronze sculpture created using the cire perdue method. This is also known as the lost-wax casting process. It is an ancient technique. The sculpture’s dimensions are impressive. It measures 31 meters high, 15 meters wide, and 15 meters deep. That’s about 102 feet high, 49 feet wide, and 49 feet deep. It weighs a hefty 25 metric tons. That’s 25 long tons or 28 short tons.
El Vigilante was inaugurated on March 18, 2016. It was unveiled by then-President Enrique Peña Nieto. This occurred during the inauguration of the adjacent vehicular bridge. The sculpture features a crouched angel. It is placed on a 6-meter-high concrete plinth. That’s about 20 feet. Its base also functions as an observation deck. Though access to it remains limited as of January 2020. There are no bridges or roads that directly connect to it.
Marín recommended a quick, distant view of the sculpture. The artwork cost over seven million Mexican pesos. El Vigilante joins another of Marín’s works. It is similar sculpture called El Ángel de la Seguridad Social.
El Vigilante stands as a testament to modern art. It also embodies Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. It is a figure of watchful protection. The sculpture bridges the ancient and the contemporary. It is an iconic landmark for those traveling this route. Its symbolism is timeless. The crouched angel embodies vigilance. It watches over the landscape. It connects travelers to the spirit of Mexico’s past.