Wondering what this immense iron structure before us is? This is the Sideroploide Sculpture. It is a tribute to the men of the sea. The Sideroploide, also known as Ferroestructura No. 5, stands tall. It measures 65 meters long and 17 meters high. Salvador Aulestia, a Spanish artist born in Barcelona, created it.
Aulestia was a man of many talents. He was a painter, sculptor, drawer, and writer. His artistic journey spanned from classical expressionism to pure abstraction. He even founded his own artistic style called Apotelesmatical Art in 1963.
The Sideroploide is a monumental construction. It is made of welded iron sheets. Aulestia wanted to use scrap from ships during a port crisis. About 40 people worked on the sculpture for two years. Back then, it was considered the world’s largest wrought iron sculpture. Instead of chisels, they used hammers and oxyacetylene torches to shape the metal.
The Sideroploide was inaugurated on December 30, 1963. It was initially located at the end of the jetty near the Swallows. These were pleasure boats linking the old harbor. Over time, the sculpture deteriorated.
In 1995, Aulestia’s son, Anastasi, took on the task of restoring the Sideroploide. He rescued it with the help of artists and intellectuals. Sculptor Pere Casanovas restored and painted it gold. This was for protection. However, some say it detracts from the original appearance.
The Sideroploide changed location in June 2001. It now stands in the Fisherman’s Wharf at the World Trade Center. The restoration cost 65 million pesetas. Ironically, Aulestia called it Ferroestructura No. 5 not Sideroploide.
Salvador Aulestia was a visionary. He proposed making a sculpture at the Port of Barcelona. It would honor the men who work at sea. To create it, about 100 tons of iron from an old floating dock were used. The dock was being scrapped in the port.
Aulestia explained that the name Sideroploide comes from sidero meaning metal and ploide meaning form. The Sideroploide stands as a testament to Aulestia’s vision. It also honors the hard work of seafarers. It welcomes visitors arriving by sea. It is visible from various points in Port Vell.
So, as you gaze upon this impressive structure remember its history. Think of the artist’s vision and the tribute it pays to the men of the sea. The Sideroploide is more than just a sculpture. It is a symbol of Barcelona’s maritime heritage.