Arts Alive San Antonio

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor —

San Antonio appears to have a very special relationship with Mexican sculptor Enrique “Sebastian” Carbajal, better known as just Sebastian.

It started with his red “Torch of Friendship” sculpture in the heart of downtown that’s been brightening the center city for more than 20 years, and has blossomed through a recent city-wide exhibition of his works, and new public art installations, including “The Door of Equality” just north of the San Antonio Public Library.

And now, a brand new, flaming-red sculpture, named “Star of Texas” is standing tall on the southside of the San Antonio Airport’s entrance on Airport Boulevard. The 17-foot-tall work features five vertical components, which, according to the press release “appear to support each other’s weight, imploring viewers to see themselves as part of a greater whole.” That may be poetic exaggeration, but the components of the sculpture do seem to huddle together, evoking closeness. They also come together at the top to form the outline of a star. The reference, of course, is to the Lone Star State that San Antonio represents in a unique way through its welcoming warmth, hospitality and friendliness.

The  “Star of Texas” will add to our city’s rich landscape of public art, which may very well be unique in Texas.

 “San Antonio’s Public Art reflects our values and personality as a community and also promotes well-being, with so many of the pieces in our collection conveying uplifting and hopeful messages,” said District 9 Councilman John Courage in a statement. “I am proud to welcome this artwork by Sebastian to our district and hope that airport visitors take a moment to slow down to view this incredible piece.”

Sebastian has shown his work in more than 200 exhibits around the world and has received medals, prizes and awards, including Mexico’s National Prize of Arts and Sciences in 2015. Here in San Antonio, more than 100 of his pieces were installed city-wide during a retrospective of his work dubbed “Sebastian in San Antonio: 50+Years/20+ Locations/100+ Works” which stayed on view from October 2019 to May, 2020. Following that, the grateful artist donated “The Door of Equality” to the city of San Antonio.

The “Star” joins quite a few other works of art at the airport, some of which San Antonians may never see because they are located in the rental car section. San Antonians are unlikely to be renting a car as they return home from their voyages. That particular display consists of a number of panels high on a wall, painted with images that represent the history of the city and this area in creative ways. But many other works are easily accessible and all art is in the areas accessible to the public. In addition, there are changing exhibits featuring San Antonio artists. It’s worth a visit even if you are not travelling.