ORB by Spanish artist SpY arrives in Montreal!
On your next visit to Place des arts, keep your eyes wide open for this artistic installation that adorns the Esplanade with its mirrors.
MURAL is proud to have made possible the arrival of this imposing work of art, which required several feats of engineering to ensure its installation in the basin. It was made possible thanks in particular to the financial support of the Quebec government and Tourisme Montréal, allowing it to remain in Montreal for a minimum period of 5 years.
The sculpture’s complex surface, composed of ninety convex polished steel disks, reflects the surrounding space, generating a sophisticated kaleidoscopic effect. With its dynamic, minimalist style, SpY invites viewers to reconsider their perception of space, movement and light. His work in Montreal transforms public space into a stage for active reflection, constant interaction and contemplation, redefining the relationship between art and its environment.
The appearance of the sculpture gradually changes over the course of the day and night, presenting very different qualities as the light changes – capturing the magnificent sunrises and sunsets in a very special way. The work incorporates light and plays with the forms of the sculpture, bringing it to life. Each day, at sunset, a layer of integrated light adds a new dimension to the work, making it a living, multi-sensory and attractive work of art. The lights transform the work into a unique nocturnal experience that will become a sought-after Montreal landmark.
A travelling mathematical masterpiece
The ORB sculpture is a monumental work of considerable complexity, composed of 90 polished steel convex disks, combining mathematical, symbolic and artistic elements. The first piece in this series was installed in front of the majestic Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt, an environment steeped in history and meaning, which maintains the profound link between this contemporary sculpture and the ancestral knowledge of Egyptian civilization. Thanks to ORB, a dialogue is established between past and present, linking the mathematical and spiritual heritage of ancient Egypt with modern artistic exploration.
One of the key aspects of the sculpture is its relationship with the number Pi, a fundamental mathematical constant in our understanding of the universe. This constant appears intrinsically in the geometry of the Giza pyramids. If we add up the perimeter of a pyramid’s base and divide it by twice its height, the result is remarkably close to Pi (π ≈ 3.1416). What’s more, a sphere whose radius coincides with the height of the Great Pyramid would have a circumference close to the perimeter of the pyramid base. This geometric correspondence directly inspires the design of the ORB, which reflects the same harmonic proportions between the pyramid’s perimeter and the length of a spherical circumference.
Who is SpY?
Find out more about the anonymous artist behind these monumental works!
SpY is a Spanish urban artist born in Madrid in the 1970s, considered one of the pioneers of street art in Spain. He began his artistic career in the 1980s as a graffiti artist, making his mark on the street scene with his distinctive, provocative style. Over the years, SpY has broadened his scope from traditional graffiti to more conceptual urban interventions.
SpY’s work is characterized by a playful and intelligent approach to the urban environment, transforming everyday objects and spaces into intriguing and often humorous works of art. His interventions are often discreet, but invite passers-by to reflect on societal issues such as consumerism, surveillance and communication. SpY uses a variety of media, including installations, sculptures, light panels and posters, to transform public space into a place for interaction and questioning.
His work has been exhibited in numerous cities around the world, including Paris, New York, Tokyo and Berlin. SpY is recognized for his ability to surprise and engage audiences by playing with the urban environment and cultural codes, while maintaining a respectful approach to public space.
Our partners
This major project is led by MURAL and made possible by the financial support of the Quebec government through the Fonds signature métropole, and of Tourisme Montréal through the Fonds pour les initiatives ponctuelles, in partnership with Place des Arts.
