She Changes

She Changes is the memorial for the fishing industry that prospered in Matosinhos a century ago. It is located on the border with Porto city. Besides, the installation decorates the entrance into the district of the surfing and sardines industry. Every person going on a roundabout discovers the design of this inventive structure from all of the angles in 360 degrees.

The monument comprises three steel poles and intricately knotted braided fiber, enhancing the surrounding smokestacks and lighthouses. Painted in red and white, the pillars harmonize with the environment. Adding to its grandeur, a massive 20-ton steel ring supports a captivating three-dimensional net made of multi-layer TENARA architectural fiber. Suspended 13.5 meters above the ground, this captivating structure has made Cidade Salvador Plaza a popular destination.

Renowned American sculptor and fiber artist Janet Echelman designed the mesmerizing artwork, known as She Changes or “anemona.” Notably, this masterpiece stands as her first permanent sculpture in Europe. It beautifully embodies the historical heritage of Matosinhos and Portugal as a seafaring region. Captivating viewers from various angles, the sculpture enthralls with its interplay of colors and ever-changing density.

Matosinhos, a coastal gem in Portugal, is not only renowned for its seafood and scenic beaches but also for its ever-changing sculpture scene. One artist, in particular, has brought a dynamic touch to the city’s public spaces. It turns Matosinhos into an open-air must-see that evolves over time.

The Artist Behind the Transformation

At the heart of this artistic metamorphosis is Janet Echelman, a visionary sculptor whose work challenges the conventional static nature of sculptures. He has taken it upon themselves to redefine the relationship between art and the public by introducing an element of change.

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