Pilar Aldana Mendez
colombia (1963)
/ THE WORK
Construcción PARA ATRAPAR EL TIEMPO (THE TIME TRAP), 2001
black African granite and Labrador marble
Since the early 1990s, the Colombian sculptor Aldana-Mèndez has created “accessible, habitable spaces” with stone that “invite man to reflect on being part of Life, or simply on the fact of being there”.
Inside the Park, this polished angular sculpture makes its presence felt. It is made of eight slabs of black granite, weighing approximately one ton, and the lights and shadows of the surrounding forest are reflected on the carefully polished black walls. The dark crack on the front wall, with the inverted triangle on the back, induces the viewer to climb the hill to explore the work more directly: only in this way can one realize that the structure is much more open than it appears from the front. A narrow entrance with six steps, wide enough to accommodate a single person, leads to a central triangular space, which the slit had already revealed from the outside. From inside you can see a fragment of the forest, while a canopy of branches interspersed with the sky acts as a frame.
The result is a contemplative and peaceful place that seems separated from the outside world; here, for a moment, time seems to stop, to start again once you re-emerge towards the outside.
Pilar Aldana Mendez
colombia (1963)
BIOGRAPHY
Pilar Aldana Mendez was born in 1963 in Bogota, Colombia. She started working as a sculptor in 1985 in Spain and has been living since then in Barcelona. She creates small sculptures as well as monumental works and installations. Her preferred materials are glass, granite, iron and wood.
During her career she created monumental works in natural areas and open-air museums around the world and her works are exhibited in museums and private collections in Europe, Asia and Latin America. She specializes in glass sculpture; she has created projects for the production and restoration of glass for the Temple of the Sagrada Familia and for the Palace of Catalan Music in Barcelona; she was cultural director of the Catalan Association of Glass Arts and is an active member of international sculpture and glass associations.
USEFUL INFORMATION
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HOW TO REACH US
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By paved road from Siena, take the SP408 to Ponte a Bozzone. Turn left at the church and follow the signs for Pievasciata / Sculpture Park. We are about 15 km from Siena.
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THE WALK
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The walk round the Park is about 1,5 km and it is suitable for baby buggies and wheelchair users. Upon request we offer a tour of the Park in an electric buggy for those with mobility issues. Contact us for further information.
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OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
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Winter Opening Hours
Until 26th October 2024 ( open all week)
Monday – Friday 10.00-17.00
Saturday & Sunday 10.00-18.0027th October -10th November open all week)
Monday – Sunday 10.00-16.0011th November- 2nd March 2025 excluding Christmas /New Year period
Monday,Wednesday & Friday 10.00-14.00
Saturday & Sunday 10.00-16.00
Tuesday & Thursday closedChristmas/New Year opening 23rd December-6th January 2025
From 23rd December -6th January
10.00-16.00Closed 25th & 26th December
Tickets: €10 adults | € 5 reduced – under 18 yrs | Free 0-4 yrs
Booking is not necessary. The Chianti Sculpture Park APP – available for free on Apple Store and Google Play Store – is an excellent audio guide!
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GROUPS
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Groups of more than 12 people are asked to book entry in advance, to facilitate organisation.
Guided tours are available in Italian and English upon reservation.
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A VISIT FOR EVERYONE
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The visit to the Park lasts an hour and a half on average and it is absolutely suitable for children! Our four-legged friends are welcome providing they are kept on a lead and any ‘deposits’ are removed! The park does not have a restaurant, but we will be happy to recommend some restaurants that can be reached by car in a few minutes. A picnic area is available.
CHIANTI SCULPTURE PARK
Strada provinciale 9, 48
53019 Pievasciata - Castelnuovo Berardenga (Si)
P.I. 01181460526 C.F. 92044080528
Phone: +39 0577 357151 E-mail: info@parcosculturechianti.it
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