04/14/21 - Current times, adapted to the new normal, impose another type of visit on us, in safe spaces where social distance can be practiced. Thus, all the works located in parks and natural spaces deserve to be re-visited and we should approach the exhibitions presented outside the “white cube”. One of these venues is the Museo de Escultura de Aire Libre de la Castellana, in Madrid, where a set of energetic and monumental sculptures are exhibited on a large surface (an excellent way to redefine unoccupied spaces, such as under a concrete bridge).

The museum exhibits 17 abstract sculptures by Spanish artists, located on the steps and esplanades where hundreds of passersby walk daily. The work that catches our eyes, as soon as we get closer, is a hanging concrete structure entitled La Sirena Varada (the beached mermaid), an organic and fanciful name for an indefinitely shaped mass that, despite its weight, seems to float. We can define it as a vision of linear and elongated forms that arise from a main trunk, and although it seems an austere and achromatic composition, it articulates the entire space of the museum. The other sculptures are located symmetrically in relation to La Sirena Varada. On the left, a vertical mass of Picassian tone by Alberto Sánchez (1895-1962) defines two bulls in a magnificent ensemble. On the right La Petit Faucille (the little sickle), by Julio González (1876-1942), extends in delicate balance and allows us to guess the elements that gave it its name. 

Two biomorphic works that suggest animals are installed on the steps: a suggestive and stylized bird by Joan Miró and a seated mammal, that seems to be asleep, by Marcel Martí. On the left, pure abstraction in two works that combine geometric elements. One of them, Al otro lado del muro (on the other side of the wall), due to the continuous attacks suffered, had the steel spheres replaced by the ones we see in the photo. Crossing the Paseo de la Castellana, two independent pieces form Unidades-Yunta, a sculptural set of rounded shapes of exaggerated volume that could be integrated if they were joined. 

An excellent idea to visit according to these times: outdoors sculptures. It is also a great opportunity to meet these artists who complement each other through their works.