Sculpted in steel, Yo, América stands tall in Barcelona. This vibrant red sculpture captures the eye and sparks curiosity. Yo, América isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol of connection between Barcelona and Monterrey, Mexico. The sculpture was a gift from the Mexican sculptor, Alberto Cavazos, and the city of Monterrey. It was inaugurated in 1995 by the mayors of both cities. Yo, América is a replica of an earlier sculpture Cavazos created in Monterrey in 1977. The Barcelona version, weighing five tons, is made of painted steel plate, a bold statement in the urban landscape. The sculpture’s abstract form plays with perspective. From the front, the figure of a woman emerges. You can clearly see her profile, the void of her hair, her arms, and the cylindrical shapes representing her breasts. As you move around Yo, América, the figure shifts, becoming more abstract, losing its human form and transforming into a dynamic play of lines and curves. This interplay invites viewers to interpret the art in their own way, adding another layer to the cross-cultural conversation initiated by the sculpture’s presence in Barcelona.
Església Nostra Senyora de la Mercè
The Virgin’s gaze from the dome. A silent sentinel overlooking Barcelona. This is the Església Nostra Senyora de la Mercè.