Sculptor Sergio Castillo's Centenary Commemorated

This year marks the centennial of the birth of Sergio Castillo (1925-2010), one of the most influential sculptors in Chilean and Latin American art, recognized with the National Art Prize in 1997.

To celebrate his legacy, the University of Talca inaugurated the exhibition "Sergio Castillo. Animals" in the Pedro Olmos Room of its Extension Center. The exhibition, which will be open to the public until October 5, delves into a particular and intimate facet of his work: his zoomorphic creations.

The relationship between Sergio Castillo and the university has been fundamental. Several of his monumental works are part of the Sculpture Park on its Lircay Campus, a unique open-air museum in Chile.

In fact, it was with one of his most emblematic creations, "Trueno" (1995), that this valuable artistic heritage began. This imposing 10-meter-high iron sculpture has become a symbol of the university's and the city's identity.

Sculpture Museum
For the rector of the University of Talca, Carlos Torres Fuchslocher, “Sergio Castillo was, in some ways, the driving force behind the project to establish a National Sculpture Museum at the University of Talca, which we can feel so proud to have today.”

“For us, as a university community, living in a culturally dynamic environment also enriches, of course, our lives and, on the other hand, elevates us. I believe that in this sense, the University's prestige in terms of disseminating and contributing to the national cultural heritage is indisputable; I believe that today it is one of its greatest strengths,” explained Rector Torres.

The National Sculpture Museum houses a total of six works by Castillo, which coexist with pieces by other National Prize winners such as Lily Garafulic, Francisco Gazitúa, and Federico Assler.

Career
Recognized as a true alchemist of metal, Sergio Castillo transformed iron and fire into vibrant expressions of life and movement. Although his work is characterized by monumentality and abstract dynamism, his animal sculptures reveal a profound connection with nature and his ability to give soul to inert materials.

In this exhibition, visitors can discover how the artist captured the essence of diverse creatures, from the imposing strength of a bull to the subtle grace of a bird, forging forms that seem to pulsate with their own energy.

The curator of the exhibition, president of the Sergio Castillo Foundation and the artist's widow, Silvia Westermann Andrade, explained that the exhibition is a tribute to the inner world of a creator who worked tirelessly until the end of his days.

“Sergio had a hard time becoming a sculptor. He said, ‘I'm going to do what I want, and if I want to be an animal, I'll be an animal. If I want to make an abstract sculpture, I'll make an abstract sculpture,'” Westermann explained. “He touched all spheres, and in this centennial, the work was to somehow unite all the areas he touched,” she added.

For her part, Marcela Albornoz Dachelet, Director of Cultural and Artistic Outreach and the University Press, announced that the University of Talca has prepared other commemorative activities. The exhibition “Sergio Castillo. Animales” will also be presented at the UTalca Outreach Center and Graduate School in Santiago, with its opening scheduled for October 16 at 7:00 p.m.

She also explained that the book Sergio Castillo. Animales, published by the University of Talca Press and funded by the Ministry of Education through the Contribution for the Development of Activities of National Interest (ADAIN), will be presented on that occasion.

Guided Tours

“Sergio Castillo. Animales” is open for free every day, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the UTalca Extension Center (2 Norte 685).
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