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Between Earth and Air: A Meditation on Form and Terroir
- Julia Rajacic
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Internationally celebrated for his monumental public sculptures, Pablo Atchugarry is known for his mastery of marble and bronze, materials that hold history within their veins. His works transcend mere form, channeling spiritual energy and inviting contemplation.In Untitled, the monumental sculpture on view at Gittinger Winery, Atchugarry introduces an unexpected dynamism—an interplay of tradition and modernity, strength and fluidity—through its striking red automotive coating. This bold red hue, reminiscent of the rich tones of natural wine, evokes the alchemy of time and terroir, mirroring the slow, meticulous process that shapes both sculpture and winemaking.
Discover more about this sculpture, a part of GITTINGER WINE + ART
Just as our winery embraces a philosophy of purity and respect for nature, Atchugarry’s work echoes a deep reverence for material and process. Inspired by organic movement and the verticality of natural forms, his sculptures seem to defy gravity, rising skyward like vines reaching for the sun. Each curve and fold in the bronze captures a sense of growth and transformation, echoing the rhythm of the landscape. Set against the backdrop of our vineyards, this sculpture invites visitors to pause, observe, and reflect. Like a fine vintage, its presence unfolds over time, revealing new nuances with every glance.
Atchugarry’s artistic language is rooted in a centuries-old sculptural tradition while embracing a distinctly contemporary vision. His simplified, non-figurative forms compel the viewer to engage from every angle, much like the works of Cubist pioneers. He draws from classical influences, such as Giambologna’s dynamic compositions, while also recalling the spatial explorations of modernists like Archipenko and Fontana. The verticality of his sculptures creates a link between two worlds—the earth to which they are anchored and the impalpable air in which they appear to float.
The verticality of Atchugarry’s sculptures, that stretch up to the sky, also creates a link between two worlds: the earthly floor in which they are firmly anchored and the impalpable air in which they appear to float. Contemplating them, our gaze is automatically drawn upwards and loses itself beyond the matter. Pablo Atchugarry’s creations are shrouded in mystery and do not give everything away at first glance, requiring us to take the time to observe the sculptures revealing themselves to us as we walk around them, and as the light strikes them.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1954, Atchugarry has left an indelible mark on the art world, with monumental works displayed in public spaces across Europe and South America. In 2002, he was honored with the Michelangelo Award in Carrara, and the following year, he represented Uruguay at the 50th Venice Biennale with Soñando la Paz (Dreaming of Peace), an eight-part marble installation. Today, he divides his time between Lecco, Italy, and Manantiales, Uruguay, where he continues his artistic practice and fosters the next generation of sculptors through the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation and its international sculpture park.
