Category: Culture and Entertainment > Public Art
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa
The work "69 Men of Bessines" is located on the Passeio dos Jacarandás, in Parque das Nações, Lisbon. This area of the city, developed from Expo 98, is characterized by its spacious and modern environments, with a strong connection to the Tagus River. The installation's location places it within a contemporary urban setting, ideal for a tranquil stroll and for appreciating the architecture and riverside landscape.
Upon visiting the site, you encounter a set of 69 unique human figures, immersed in a water feature. These sculptures are made of resin and stainless steel, and painted a greenish hue that gives them a peculiar appearance. What makes them particularly interesting is the fact that they function as fountains: each figure projects jets of water through various bodily orifices, such as eyes, nose, or mouth. The continuous movement of water creates a soft murmur and a constant vibration on the surface, inviting close observation and a singular visual and auditory experience.
The mind behind these figures is Fabrice Hybert, an internationally recognized French artist, known for his innovative approach to painting, sculpture, installation, and video. The original idea for the "Men of Bessines" was born in France, in the eponymous town, in 1989. Initially conceived as a "little green man" of 86 centimeters, this imaginary figure, with its familiar yet unusual silhouette, was replicated and spread across various cities around the world. Its presence in Lisbon dates back to Expo 98, having become one of the artistic hallmarks of the event.
More than just a decorative element, the "69 Men of Bessines" can be interpreted as an artistic reflection on the human condition. The artist describes them as metaphors for a general sculpture of the human biotype, with a developed silhouette and, at the same time, an appearance that can evoke something extraterrestrial. The way water gushes from the figures and interacts with each other creates a dynamic that suggests movement and life, inviting close observation and reflection on humanity itself, presented in an artistic and surprising way in this urban space.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.78010436069328, -9.094251311743824
Coordinates DMS: 38°46'48.4"N 09°05'39.3"W
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
