Bou de Santiago Calatrava

Presented to the world on February 23, 2007, at the esteemed Es Baluard Museum in Palma de Mallorca, the renowned exhibition titled "Santiago Calatrava: Sculptures, Drawings, and Ceramics" showcased the exceptional talent of Spain's most internationally recognized architect. This unprecedented exhibition was graced by the presence of their Majesties, the Kings of Spain, during its grand opening. As a gesture of generosity, Calatrava donated a massive sculpture named "Bou," which proudly stood on the museum terrace, catching the attention of passersby on the bustling Avenida de Palma. Undoubtedly, this new Calatrava sculpture added tremendous prestige to the area.

Crafted entirely from bronze within the artist's workshop, the sculpture weighed an impressive 40 tons. It symbolized the transition from sitting to standing, embodying the initial steps taken by the architect's own children. Towering at a height of no less than 15 meters, this monumental work captivated viewers with its sheer immensity. Tensioned elements connected to the sculpture's spine ensured its stability. Of particular note were the five blocks representing the human torso, seemingly defying gravity. Undoubtedly, this sculpture would become an iconic symbol not only for Mallorca but for the entirety of Spain.

The striking sculpture primarily consisted of five cubes, each measuring 1.8 meters on all sides, meticulously crafted to resemble the human torso. These cubes were held together by a backbone-like structure and two conical lower supports. Through this artwork, Bou, the tireless architect, showcased his unwavering dedication to studying human anatomy and the organic forms found in nature. His findings would later inspire and shape his most significant architectural projects. In fact, Calatrava's architectural works were themselves masterful sculptures, brought to life through a profound understanding of materials and their interaction on a grand scale.