On the morning of December 26th, a remarkable sculpture was unveiled in Barranquilla to honor Shakira, her outstanding artistic career, and her significant contributions to the youth of Barranquilla and the Colombian Caribbean.
The sculpture of Shakira was revealed in the presence of her parents, Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak, with Mayor Jaime Pumarejo delivering a speech along the banks of the Magdalena River. This magnificent statue stands at a height of 6.5 meters and was meticulously crafted using bronze and aluminum. The sculpture captures Shakira’s iconic belly dance pose, which made her famous worldwide.
Following the unveiling, Shakira herself couldn’t contain her excitement and shared a series of photographs featuring the sculpture, her parents, and Mayor Pumarejo. “I am deeply moved by this tribute to Colombian women and the resilient women of Barranquilla, both within my homeland and beyond!» exclaimed the Barranquilla native.
Mayor Pumarejo also emphasized that this tribute is not just a celebration of Shakira’s remarkable career but also an inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with the same determination and dedication that Shakira displayed.
The sculpture also includes a plaque with a heartfelt message dedicated to the «Hips Don’t Lie» sensation: “A heart that composes, hips that express the truth, unmatched talent, a voice that resonates with the masses, and bare feet that advocate for the well-being of children and humanity.”
A Detail That Went Largely Unnoticed
The sculptor, Yino Márquez, shared some insights into his work during a conversation with Noticias Caracol. He began by describing the sculpture’s skirt, designed to flow like ocean waves and the course of a river, symbolizing Shakira’s roots.
Furthermore, he revealed a subtle detail that many might have missed —an illuminated feature placed between Shakira’s hands. “At the top, within her hands, I’ve incorporated a light to symbolize transcendence. Shakira started her musical journey as an unknown artist, but through unwavering effort, commitment, and discipline, she achieved the remarkable transcendence we celebrate today,” noted Márquez.
Original article by Julián Carreño for LOS40.
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