Embrace XI

Embrace XI (Besarkada XI, 1996) is a steel structure that is both vertical and curved at the same time. Unlike Advice to Space V (Consejo al espacio, 1993), also in the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao collection, this piece is made of forged steel—it was brought forth in a struggle with the material placed in fire. The steel sections intertwine and curve, like plants that grow up from the ground and collapse upon themselves as they tightly embrace. Both Embrace XI and Advice to Space V demonstrate the connection between Chillida's work and nature. In the open air, under changing light, these works reveal the projection of their curves and their perimeter.