The contributions of Eduardo Chillida (1924 - 2002) to the fields of sculpture, drawing, and printmaking have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. Known for his mastery in working with materials such as iron, steel, and alabaster, Chillida's sculptures evoke a powerful sense of space and form. His drawings and prints, often characterized by their bold lines and abstract compositions, complement his sculptural work by offering insight into his creative process and conceptual thinking. Chillida's exploration of space, voids, and the human experience has solidified his reputation as a pioneering artist whose work continues to inspire artists, collectors, and art lovers worldwide.
As the art world commemorates the centenary of Eduardo Chillida's birth, several significant exhibitions across Europe are celebrating his profound impact on modern sculpture and beyond. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to explore Chillida's artistic journey, highlighting his monumental public works and intimate smaller-scale creations. Here is a glimpse into the major exhibitions honoring this milestone.
Eduardo Chillida's Mesa de Omar Khayyam (1986) on view at Chillida Leku in Hernani, Spain. Photograph by Iñaki Luis.
Chillida Leku, Hernani, Spain
Chillida Leku, the museum dedicated to Eduardo Chillida's work in Hernani, is currently hosting "100 Years of Eduardo Chillida with the Telefónica Collection." This landmark event features pivotal works from Telefónica's extraordinary holdings, showcasing Chillida's innovative use of materials and exploration of space and form. The exhibition includes significant pieces from the 1980s through the 2000s, such as Elogio del Hierro II and Lotura XXXII, set within the historic Zabalaga farmhouse.
Works by Eduardo Chillida and Anthony Caro on view at Museum Würth, Künzelsau. Image courtesy of the Museum Würth.
"Sculptors & Spaces: Anthony Caro and Eduardo Chillida" at Museum Würth, Germany
Running from December 18, 2023, to October 27, 2024, this exhibition at Museum Würth in Künzelsau celebrates the centenary of both Eduardo Chillida and Anthony Caro. The exhibition features around 70 selected sculptures and mural works, emphasizing the sculptural abstraction that both artists championed. Their works, transcending traditional boundaries, reflect their mastery in manipulating space and form. The exhibition includes pieces like Chillida's Gravitación and Caro's High Altar, showcasing their distinct yet complementary styles.
Installation view of 'Chillida in Menorca' at Hauser & Wirth Menorca. Courtesy of the Estate of Eduardo Chillida and Hauser & Wirth; Photograph by Damian Griffiths.
Hauser & Wirth, Menorca, Spain
From May 11 to October 27, 2024, Hauser & Wirth Menorca presents a solo exhibition dedicated to Eduardo Chillida. This exhibition, part of the "Eduardo Chillida 100 years" program led by the Eduardo Chillida - Pilar Belzunce Foundation, highlights the artist's pioneering practice. Chillida's works in diverse media such as iron, steel, stone, alabaster, and chamotte clay are on display, reflecting the organic and elemental forces that inspired his art. The exhibition includes notable pieces like Lotura XXVII and Homenaje a la mar IV, which draw inspiration from the natural landscapes and seascapes of Menorca.
Installation view of collages by Chillida in dialogue with a design by Balenciaga at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. Image EFE/Javier Etxezarreta.
"Chillida/Balenciaga: Plying Form" at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, Getaria, Spain
From April 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this exhibition at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum explores the biographical and philosophical connections between Eduardo Chillida and fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Featuring 42 works, the exhibition delves into their shared influences and the formal parallels in their respective disciplines. The highlight of the exhibition is Chillida's sculpture Homenaje a Balenciaga (Homage to Balenciaga), which serves as a tribute to the fashion icon. The juxtaposition of Chillida's robust sculptures with Balenciaga's elegant designs creates a dialogue between form and material, exploring themes of harmony and proportion.
Installation view of works by Eduardo Chillida in dialogue with a landscape painting by Godofredo Ortega Muñoz. Image EFE/Miguel Toña.
Museum of Fine Arts, Bilbao, Spain
In Bilbao, an additional notable exhibition juxtaposes the work of Eduardo Chillida with the figurative painter Ortega Muñoz. This exhibition, currently on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, offers a comparative perspective, highlighting the contrasting yet complementary approaches of the two artists. While Chillida's work delves into abstraction and the interplay of space and form, Muñoz's figurative paintings provide a rich counterpoint, emphasizing the diversity and depth of Spanish modern art. This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the dialogue between Chillida's abstract forms and Muñoz's evocative landscapes and portraits.
Eduardo Chillida. Lizardiren Leihoak II, 1983. Image courtesy of Zeit Contemporary Art, New York.
Eduardo Chillida: Poetics of the Small
Complementing these exhibitions, Zeit Contemporary Art proudly presents Eduardo Chillida: Poetics of the Small, an online viewing room available from May 10 to July 25, 2024. This presentation focuses on Chillida's small-scale works, particularly his etchings from the 1980s. It explores his philosophical inquiries into space and form, emphasizing the tactile and immediate nature of his intimate creations. These smaller works, characterized by stark contrasts between black and white, engage viewers in a personal dialogue, where the simplicity of form conveys profound philosophical ideas about human existence and our relationship with the universe.
These exhibitions collectively celebrate Eduardo Chillida's centenary by offering diverse perspectives on his extensive body of work. From grand public sculptures to delicate etchings, Chillida's exploration of space and materiality continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
