Citius Altius Fortius

Torso composed of six upright elements of irregular shape. A kevlar and carbon fibre-reinforced composite, this light material allows to the giant sculpture to move thanks to a mechanism hidden in its base. The elements split up and revolve in a double translating and rotating movement, in a slow and regular rhythm. The torso shows then abstract curves whose harmony remains whatever the movements of the sculpture. In order to escape the problems inherent in the weight of traditional materials such as bronze and marble, the sculptor used a revolutionary synthetic fibre, kevlar, which is normally used in the aviation and aerospace industry. This was the first time that kevlar was used in an art work.

This torso in motion is the monumental culmination of a theme that marked all of Berrocal’s work. It is his most characteristic and well-known theme. Between 1959 and 1962 already, his wrought iron abstract works (“Grand Torse” or “Bijou”) evoked forms that were later found in various transpositions of the male anatomy: from free interpretation of classical torsos (“David” or “Alexandre”) that are complex to combine and dismantle, to the firm “Almogávares” in iron or wood. Berrocal's works grew away from figuration, their morphological structure becoming refined to underline the importance of the fragment. Berrocal chose to give his sculpture the title “Citius Altius Fortius” because the torso perfectly illustrates the effort of the athlete and his physical and mental concentration. Once “back together”, the athlete will be faster, higher and stronger.