The grand steel sculpture with a brilliant red hue has captured the attention of downtown visitors for over 20 years.
“The Torch of Friendship” — or “La Antorcha de la Amistad” in Spanish — was created as an act of goodwill. Its creation, though, wasn’t an entirely well-received gesture. Criticism surrounded its 2002 unveiling, though there was plenty of enthusiasm for the unique piece of highly visible public art.
This week’s San Antonio Explained looks at the origins of the “The Torch of Friendship” sculpture and its place in local history.
Its origins
Intended to be a tribute to the friendship between Mexico and San Antonio, the sculpture was created by renowned Mexican artist Sebastián, a well-known contemporary sculptor who had created about 120 monumental public art pieces for cities around the world…