cristina iglesias infills remote island lighthouse with bronze-cast forms

spanish artist cristina iglesias is creating a new work that will permanently transform the lighthouse of santa clara island situated in the bay of donostia/san sebastián in the basque country. sited at the top of a small rocky island will be a space for reflection and communication, where inside, forms cast in bronze resemble the geology of the bay and surrounding coastline. moving around the sculpture, visitors can experience the rush of water flowing through the sculpture inside as waves break on the island’s rocks. to be unveiled in june 2021, the installation marks the artist’s first sculpture in her native city and one of her most important public artworks.

image by josé luis lópez de zubiria

the lighthouse of santa clara island has remained derelict and uninhabited for many years. iglesias chose the site because of its relationship with marine conservation and care for the environment, nature and water — all common themes across her work. the sculpture draws from the island’s existing natural landscape and the remarkable geology of the basque coast to restore the lighthouse and turn it into a dizzying sculptural site. molten geological strata and flowing water invite visitors to experience a profound feeling of the passing of time.

coordinated by contemporary art platform ARTINGENIUM, the project will not alter the landscape, but will involve the renovation and consolation of a building currently in critical condition. iglesias intends for the installation to be a space that can be enjoyed, while at the same time fostering a dialogue and making visitors aware of the need to protect the sea and the environment that surrounds us.

image by idoia unzurrunzaga

iglesias’ horizontal fountains, submerged rooms and tropical mazes bring together language, architecture, geology and botany to create immersive spaces for contemplation. her work can be found in inner cities or remote islands, as a site of pilgrimage for humans or as a habitat for animals. the artist’s most recent commission is a site-specific work for the new wing of the museum of fine art houston designed by steven holl, alongside international artists including el anatsui, carlos cruz-díez, olafur eliasson, trenton doyle hancock and ai weiwei.

image by josé luis lópez de zubiria