Eduardo Chillida

(1924-2002) Philosophy, spirituality, and mysticism are elements that are deeply rooted in Chillida’s thinking. The Spanish artist’s sculptural works play with the relation between volumes and spaces, matter and scale, by working with materials such as iron and cement. His starting point was the Ancient Greek sculpture, but his concern for inner form and his need to monumentalise art were always present. In addition to receiving numerous prizes, Chillida staged many exhibitions throughout the world, and his works can be found in the leading art museums and collections in Europe and the United States.

A unique work that encourages the reader to reflect and to enjoy the aesthetic pleasure that Chillida’s art works and plays on words produce. A limited, numbered masterpiece that reflects the most personal and profound side of the artist on every page.

Artika, in conjunction with the Chillida-Leku Museum-Foundation, brings together all the writings the artist produced during the course of his life – his thoughts, the way he viewed art and understood life – together with a few carefully-selected items from his graphic works, chosen by the artist’s son, Ignacio Chillida.

Divided up into three volumes, all in loose leaf binding, the writings are comprised of flamboyant, striking compositions presented together with reproductions of drawings and collages taken from Chillida’s private notebooks and files.

Sixty high-quality facsimile prints take us on a journey through his long career, from the drawings of his early figurative stage to his conceptual period – it is the first time that such a personal compilation of the artist has seen the light of day.

The books are protected in an elegant box that acts as a painting frame. This original design enables the user to display any of the pages in the frame, since the leaves are not sewn together. This is a book that is always open on a new page, ever changing; a frame that is perfect for aesthetic enjoyment and reflection.

The work closes its perfect circle with a Study Book, produced by three authors who open our eyes to the artist’s graphic work and his thoughts.

Philosophy, spirituality and mysticism were three elements that were deeply-rooted in Chillida’s thinking, and pervaded the artist’s work. Thus we should not be surprised to discover that Cántico Espiritual by San Juan de la Cruz was one of his bedside books.

In this work, Artika, publishing in conjunction with the Chillida-Leku Museum, brings together two of the Basque artist’s great passions: the mystical poems of San Juan de la Cruz, and art.

A unique masterpiece that harmoniously combines the poems of San Juan’s with reproductions of 32 of Chillida’s drawings and engravings, accompanied by 16 handwritten, intimate and personal quotations about art and spirituality, conceived by the artist himself.

The book’s binding includes oxidised iron covers that exude the magical dark light of the Atlantic, so characteristic of the famous sculptor’s creations. A homage to the artist who managed to tame metal.

It comes together with a Study Book, a little treasure in itself, in which leading specialists open the reader’s eyes to this mystical poetic work from the 16th century and the graphic work of the 20th century artist.

The volumes are presented in a box-sculpture that manifests all the strength, durability and colour that we find in Chillida’s work, and also features details alluding to his symbology.

An emotional journey narrated by two great figures, in a limited edition of 998 numbered copies.