Chillida, Eduardo

Chillida, Eduardo (1924–2002). Spanish sculptor in iron, born in the Basque city of San Sebastian. He studied architecture at Madrid University, 1943–7, but soon turned to drawing and sculpture. In 1948–51 he lived in France, then returned to Hernari, near his birthplace, and carried on the tradition of sculpture in wrought iron initiated by his older compatriots Gargallo and González. Chillida's sculptures, however, are abstract rather than figurative, developing from jagged skeletal or ribbon-like forms (From Within, Guggenheim Museum, New York, 1953) to much more solid pieces, often characterized by twisting, interlocking shapes (Modulation of Space I, Tate Gallery, London, 1963). There is usually no suggestion of figuration, however remote, and no trace of modelling or carving. The impact of the works depends partly on the obscure emotional appeal of the contorted shapes in a stubborn material. Chillida won many awards and was widely regarded as the leading Spanish sculptor of his time. He also had a distinguished career as a printmaker, his work including etchings, lithographs, and woodcuts.