'Doña Montaña': Giant Sculpture Transforms Rionegro Interchange into Artistic Landmark

A striking sculpture named 'Doña Montaña' now commands attention at the José María Córdova airport interchange in Rionegro, Antioquia, transforming the busy traffic area into an artistic landmark.

The monumental piece, designed by Colombian artist and architect Pablo Gómez Uribe, stands 23 meters high and depicts a human silhouette with a torso and legs, directly referencing the iconic mountains of Antioquia. It aims to foster a visual dialogue between contemporary infrastructure and the region's cultural heritage.

"The sculpture looks towards an emerging Antioquia," Gómez Uribe stated, reflecting a sentiment of progress and a desire for the region's public spaces to be enjoyed. The artwork's creation was driven by a desire to revitalize existing public art, which had become overshadowed by constant vehicular traffic, using the Oriente Tunnel as a key case study.

'Doña Montaña' is not just an aesthetic addition; it embodies a philosophy connecting large-scale civil engineering with cultural production. Its materials are a testament to this, incorporating stone excavated during the Oriente Tunnel's construction, alongside iron, polyurethane, and organic elements like pine and yarumo wood. This reuse of local materials underscores a commitment to sustainability and regional identity.

The project was a collaborative effort, involving institutions like Odinsa, the Aburrá Oriente Tunnel Concession, the Government of Antioquia, and Proxyco Gallery, with construction and engineering led by Andrés Villegas and Isabel Gutiérrez. The sculpture's durable finish, including epoxy and zinc phosphate coating, ensures it can withstand the elements, standing as a lasting symbol of Antioquia's evolving landscape.

“

The sculpture looks towards an emerging Antioquia, because after going through hard times, it is time for the works to enjoy the Antioquia that we have.