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Kusikawsay

The work involved a technically complex sand-casting process at LC Taller de Esculturas, transforming weapons material into a monumental structure of geometric precision conceived for international exhibition.

Explore the process

Technique: Sand castingMaterial: Metal recovered from weapons

Kusikawsay, a sculpture by Mario Opazo

The matter of conflict transformed into a monument to memory and hope.

Kusikawsay, by Mario Opazo, was made from metal recovered from weapons surrendered under Colombia’s Peace Agreement. Its form simultaneously evokes a canoe and a projectile, symbolizing the passage toward a new life.

Permanently installed in the Sculpture Garden at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the piece represents Colombia in the global diplomatic arena.

Height: 3.6 meters
Material: Ammunition
Year produced: 2019

Gallery

Initial maquette for Kusikawsay

Model of Kusikawsay during development

Ammunition used as material for Kusikawsay

Preparing sand for the casting of Kusikawsay

Sieving during the casting process for Kusikawsay

Kusikawsay in the United Nations Sculpture Garden

View of Kusikawsay and the New York cityscape

Final detail of Kusikawsay

Photography: Andrés Otero (UN, New York). Martha Castillo (LC Taller).

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Where is the sculpture?

Illustrated location map for Kusikawsay

Installed in the garden at United Nations Headquarters, New York.

United Nations Sculpture Garden

New York

Kusikawsay, a sculpture by Mario Opazo

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