- Address: Parada 1 Playa Brava, 20100 Punta del Este, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
- Year of foundation: 1982.
- Author: Mario Irarzarabal
Punta del Este is a small town 135 km from the capital. Today it can be compared with Sochi or Yalta, commensurate with the scale. But the essence is one - this is a resort town , one of the most popular on the Atlantic coast. Here there is everything that is necessary for the tourist: hotels of different levels, mass of restaurants and cafes, clean beach and, of course, attractions . Among the latter, the sculpture "Hand" of Punta del Este, also known as the "Monument drowning" and "The Birth of Man" stands as an original symbol of the city.
What is interesting about the monument?
The shape of the monument in Punta del Este is very simple - it's fingers that are half buried in the sand. It creates the impression that there is some huge sculpture under the ground, but only one hand is available to our eyes. Like a man drowned in the sand, but until the last moment he was drawn to the sky in the hope of salvation. Some see this as a feedback - the moment of birth, as if the enormous giant is about to emerge.
The history of the monument began in 1982. Then, in order to attract the public, an international festival was held, the main idea of which was the theme of outdoor sculpture. It was then that he showed himself as the original sculptor and creator of Mario Ierrzarabal, the author of the monument "Hand" in Punta del Este. He worked on his creation only 6 days, but the success was so overwhelming that for more than 30 years the monument has been a symbol of the city, attracting a lot of tourists.
The fingers of Punta del Este are made of concrete, which the author reinforced with steel rods and metal loops. On top of the monument is covered with wear-resistant material, which saves it from various kinds of deformations. The monument is 5 meters wide and its height is 3 meters. What is characteristic, the sculpture is located directly opposite the most dangerous place on the beach , where high waves always beat. Some see this as a warning sign, which calls for caution.
The monument is so recognized in the responses of contemplators and art historians that soon similar sculptures appeared in Chile, Madrid and Venice. What is characteristic, their creator was all the same sculptor, Mario Irarzarabal.
How to get to Ruki in Punta del Este?
The most famous sculpture in Punto del Este is on the beach of Mansa. You can get here by bus, the nearest station is Parada 1 (Playa Brava).