Cristina Iglesias: large-scale installations and the poetry of sculpture

Cristina Iglesias (San Sebastián, 1956) is one of the most celebrated Spanish contemporary artists. Her career spans more than four decades, and she is internationally recognized for transforming public spaces through large-scale installations that blend sculpture, architecture and nature.

Her art explores the boundaries between interior and exterior, artificial and organic, permanence and change. By integrating natural elements like water, vegetation and light into her projects, Iglesias creates spaces that invite reflection and dialogue.

The artistic style of Cristina Iglesias

Iglesias’ works are characterized by intricate surfaces, geometric structures and immersive environments. She often employs materials such as bronze, steel, resin and concrete, combined with vegetal and mineral textures.

This material experimentation connects her practice with the tradition of metalworking and technical structures, essential for achieving the scale and complexity of her projects.

Her sculptures are not just objects; they are spaces. By combining art and architecture, Iglesias creates environments that transform the way viewers interact with urban and natural surroundings.

Iconic works and public installations

Some of Cristina Iglesias’ most remarkable works include:

• Deep Fountain, located in front of Madrid’s Museo del Prado, where water flows over cast bronze surfaces, creating a dialogue between history and modernity.

• The Gates of the River, in Toledo, a monumental project along the Tagus River that integrates nature and urban landscape.

• Vegetation Rooms, immersive spaces that combine sculpture, architecture and natural forms, inviting visitors to enter and reflect.

These projects highlight the importance of artistic consultancy and technical expertise, as they involve not only artistic vision but also engineering, logistics and site-specific adaptation.

Cristina Iglesias and the art of large-scale sculpture

Creating monumental works requires a synergy between creativity and technology. Iglesias’ pieces demand advanced methods such as digital modeling and 3D scanning, which allow precise execution before large-scale production.

Her ability to combine artisanal and technological processes positions her at the forefront of contemporary sculpture, demonstrating how art can redefine cities and natural landscapes.

International recognition

Cristina Iglesias has exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Whitechapel Gallery in London, and the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid. In 2012, she became the first woman to be appointed director of the Royal Academy of Spain in Rome.

Her work has received numerous awards, including the National Award for Plastic Arts in Spain, confirming her role as a cultural ambassador on the global stage.

Conclusion

Cristina Iglesias is a pioneer in merging sculpture with architecture and landscape. Her monumental works invite contemplation and reframe how we inhabit public and private spaces.

👉 Discover how Alfa Arte collaborates with artists to bring large-scale sculptures to life, from conception to installation, by visiting Alfa Arte.