La Puerta de Igualdad: San Antonio’s Latest Public Art Installation
November 9, 2020 - Downtown San Antonio
Door of Equality. The Fundación Sebastian and Siempre México gifted the sculpture to the City of San Antonio with the dual purpose of commemorating the city’s civil and human rights history. Photo: B. Kay Richter.
By Valeria Torrealba- Staff Intern, San Antonio Sentinel
San Antonio’s Department of Arts and Culture and its public art division revealed the city’s latest public art installation at the San Pedro roundabout, a block north of the San Antonio Central Library.
“Door of Equality (La Puerta de Igualdad)” is a bright cobalt blue gateway sculpture by the Mexican artist Sebastian and stands at 33 feet tall. A geometric monument that stands with two tightly wound pillars, the sculpture will symbolize the history that San Antonio has with human rights. With a light shining from the piece, Sebastian showcases the fire that lights human rights in San Antonio’s history.
The Fundación Sebastian and Siempre México gifted the monumental sculpture to the City of San Antonio with the dual purpose of commemorating the city’s civil and human rights history.
“Our city has a powerful history of fighting for rights that are inclusive and support everyone,” said District 1 Councilman Roberto Treviño.”Today, there’s many conversations and movements championing for thorough and considerate efforts starting right in the heart of downtown. The ‘Door of Equality (La Puerta de Igualdad)’ serves as a visual reminder of how we must continue to champion behind what is right and just.”
The exhibit, organized by the Department of Arts and Culture, and the “Door of Equality (La Puerta de Igualdad)” celebrate the strong ties that San Antonio has with Mexico and the artist Sebastian, who also created the city’s iconic “Torch of Friendship (La Antorcha de la Amistad).”
“With the current climate we are living in, one where walls are being proposed, I wanted to create a work that speaks to the importance of keeping doors open and being vigilant about true equality,” said Sebastian.
A geometric monument that stands with two tightly wound pillars, “La Puerta de Igualdad” will symbolize the history that San Antonio has with human rights. Photo: B. Kay Richter.
The “Door of Equality (La Puerta de Igualdad)” joins the “Torch of Friendship (La Antorcha de la Amistad)” in welcoming residents and visitors alike to downtown San Antonio, while also reminding them of the city’s rich history.
“This new welcoming landmark stands for the promise of opportunity that shall never cease to remain open in San Antonio,” said Department of Arts and Culture Executive Director Debbie Racca-Sittre. “The Door of Equality not only represents our City’s commitment to equity, but also in ensuring that art is accessible to all.”
For more information about the “Door of Equality (La Puerta de Igualdad),” visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/arts.
Valeria Torrealba is an opinions columnist and public relations assistant at the University Star, a student publication of Texas State University. Email her at reporter@sasentinel.com