The Torch of Friendship: urban monumental sculptor Sebastian tells Patrizia Rossi how 50 tons of red steel found its way to downtown San Antonio, Texas

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, Oct-Nov, 2002 by Patrizia Rossi

Q. How has the public reacted to the Torch of Friendship?

A. The reaction to the sculpture in San Antonio was much the same as reactions to my other sculptures in other countries--very mixed. Fortunately, this implies variety and that not everyone has the same taste in art, and rightly so. If everyone had the same thoughts, life would be very boring.

Q. Who commissioned you to create the sculpture and why?

A. I was commissioned at the request of the Association of Mexican Entrepreneurs of San Antonio to design the sculpture because I have made numerous urban monumental sculptures for Japan, Canada, and Latin America. I made the sculpture in Mexico, and it was shipped to San Antonio in six pieces. Subsequently, the Torch of Friendship was presented to the City of San Antonio as a gift from the Association.

Q. What is the meaning behind the abstract work?

A. I designed the sculpture and, obviously, I thought of all the possible allegorical meanings of a burning torch, such as the fire of friendship, relationships, strength, and creativity. The complexity of the work is that it is in two parts; in this case from two countries, which is complex but the same time satisfying, festive, and friendly.

Q. Why is your sculpture enormously popular?

A. I believe that when a sculpture has been completed, professionally and conscientiously, it subsequently becomes universal and is accepted. My sculpture has been well received in Japan, and I have just got back from Beijing, where I was also commissioned to make a sculpture. This is because the characteristics of art are universal, and art does not need translation as literature does.

Q. How do you feel about international recognition?

A. I have been making sculpture for 30 years, and I believe that artists are constantly battling to present their work to the public. This is our main concern, and it involves ensuring that the public has access to the sculpture and accepts it. Next year I will be going back to China to create another piece. This gives you an idea of the global nature of art; art is primitive and modern, but always universal.

Q. How do you perceive the relationship between San Antonio and Mexico?

A. I think they are intimately entwined historically. The city of San Antonio is culturally important for both Mexico and the United States because they have a common history, a shared history, and a very close relationship because of the high number of Mexicans who live there. Mexicans have been a key factor in the culture of the city.

Q. Do you have a favorite sculpture?

A. The Torch of Friendship is one of my favorite pieces because it is in San Antonio and is a constant reminder of the close relationship between Mexico and the United States. It was accepted, the cause of festivity, and controversy; like all monumental sculptures it was controversial.

Q. Why is monumental sculpture controversial?

A. When something new emerges in a place that was stable and unchanged for a long period of time, it is a tremendous shock to the spectator, especially for conservative spectators. For those with vision, it is an acceptable change and another step forward in the contemporary art process. However, when conservatives say, "What's that? I don't understand it," the work becomes controversial. When there is controversy, everyone wants to see the work in question and see why it has caused such a stir. If it is a high quality sculpture, the piece conquers, stays, and earns its space because of its true worth.

Q. Why 50 tons of red steel?

A. Different colors have different meanings. Urban monumental sculpture in large cities needs color to be seen from a distance, for its expression and shape to be valued. Primary colors can be seen at a distance, and the message can be read. I come from Mexico, a country where light and color are important, and this is what I have learnt to see. Technically speaking, primary colors go well with modern urban sculpture.

Q. What inspires you?

A. Nature is a source of inspiration to all artists. All artists observe and study nature, learn from it, contemplate it, and are inspired by it. Everything around us can be called nature, even our own being and thoughts. I try to transform nature into a type of second nature, into artistic representation.