Cristina Iglesias

HONDALEA

Isla Santa Clara, San Sebastián

Hondalea (Marine Abyss) (2021) by Cristina Iglesias is a site-specific sculptural intervention inside the historic lighthouse on Santa Clara Island in Donostia–San Sebastián. Excavated into the building’s floor, the work occupies a 10 × 11 × 11 m volume, integrating the island’s distinctive geology, tidal waters, and maritime atmosphere.

Crafted in bronze and combined with hydraulic components and water, Hondalea required meticulous casting, finishing, and installation techniques. The sculpture’s textured, striated surfaces evoke geological strata, while water circulates to mimic natural marine processes, creating a dynamic sensory environment.

Cristina Iglesias (b. 1956, San Sebastián) is celebrated for sculptural works that fuse industrial materials, organic references, architecture, water, and glass. Her practice often explores site-specificity, spatial immersion, and ecological consciousness. This project transforms a derelict lighthouse into an evocative space for reflection on coastal heritage, geology, and environmental care, marking her first permanent work in her native city.