The Sun and the Sea

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Leça da Palmeira > Icas

Location

Situated in Leça da Palmeira, in the municipality of Matosinhos, the sculpture "The Sun and the Sea" is located in the Exponor roundabout, in the Icas urbanisation. This location gives it notable visibility, functioning as a point of reference for those travelling between the interior of the municipality and the coastal area.

The Work and the Artist

Conceived by the sculptor Zulmiro de Carvalho, the work "The Sun and the Sea" was inaugurated in March 2006. Its creation represented the fulfillment of a long-standing desire for a piece of public art that could dialogue with the local identity of Matosinhos.

Concept and Symbolism

The sculpture is inspired by the fundamental elements that give the piece its name: the sun and the sea, intrinsic symbols of Matosinhos' identity. The semi-cylindrical lying form suggests the force of a wave, while the arch that surrounds it evokes the luminous presence of the sun. Both elements emerge from a circular base, in an ensemble that the artist himself described as a representation of the wave emphasized by the play of water. Symbolically, the work is seen as a transition between the terrestrial and oceanic environments, reflecting the open spirit and the local people's connection to the sea.

Aesthetics and Dynamics

Made of granite and stainless steel, the sculpture boasts remarkable dimensions, with a circular platform 35 meters in diameter and an arch reaching 9 meters in height. Its aesthetics are enriched by a careful play of water and light. Water flows from the representation of the wave, falling continuously into the circular cavity that frames it, emphasizing the movement and vitality of the sea. An intelligent system allows the water jets to adjust to wind speed, ensuring their beauty and functionality in different conditions. At nightfall, strategic lighting transforms the piece, intensifying the imposing presence of the sun and the sea.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt