Eduardo Chillida
Lurra G-317 (Earth G-317), 1995
Chamotte clay
8 5/8 x 7 7/8 x 6 1/4 in
22 x 20 x 16 cm
22 x 20 x 16 cm
Impressed with the artist's seal
Further images
Eduardo Chillida’s Lurra (Basque for 'Earth') series, initiated in 1977, consists of small-to-medium-scale sculptures crafted from chamotte clay. These works focus on elemental archaic forms, often featuring incised lines and...
Eduardo Chillida’s Lurra (Basque for 'Earth') series, initiated in 1977, consists of small-to-medium-scale sculptures crafted from chamotte clay. These works focus on elemental archaic forms, often featuring incised lines and deep, dark incisions, that contrast with the, at times, iron-rich reddish, or rustic surface evoking the Basque landscape.
While best known for monumental iron or steel public sculptures, the Lurra series demonstrates Chillida's mastery over intimate hand-worked materials, acting as tactile meditations on space and form. Many Lurra pieces are incised with geometric marks or lines that contrast with the organic shape of the clay. The series title often includes a letter or number (e.g. Lurra G-105, Lurra XXIII), reflecting his organised exploration of the material.
Chillida used chamotte clay which is more resilient to high temperatures allowing for intense almost architectural firing that gives the pieces a stone-like robust quality. The Lurra works represent a return to the elemental and primal nature of the earth. They are deeply connected to the Basque countryside where the artist was born.
While best known for monumental iron or steel public sculptures, the Lurra series demonstrates Chillida's mastery over intimate hand-worked materials, acting as tactile meditations on space and form. Many Lurra pieces are incised with geometric marks or lines that contrast with the organic shape of the clay. The series title often includes a letter or number (e.g. Lurra G-105, Lurra XXIII), reflecting his organised exploration of the material.