Eduardo Chillida was born on January 10, 1924, in Donostia/San Sebastián. In 1943, he moved to Madrid to study Architecture; however, in 1947, he decided to abandon his studies to pursue drawing at the Circle of Fine Arts. The following year, he moved to Paris where he began sculpting and exhibited a work at the Salon de Mai. In 1951, after marrying Pilar Belzunce the year before, he settled in Hernani where he discovered iron and created his first work in that material, Ilarik. Three years later, his first solo exhibition took place in Madrid at the Clan Gallery, and he began his public work with the installation of the doors of the Basilica of Aranzazu. In 1958, he received the Grand International Sculpture Prize at the 29th Venice Biennale, which opened the door to many other awards throughout his life, from the Biennale to the Kandinsky Prize in 1960, the Wilhelm Lehmbruck Prize in 1966, the German Kaissering in 1985, the Prince of Asturias Award in 1987, to the Imperial Prize of Japan in 1991. His dedication to public works has resulted in 49 public monuments in cities such as San Sebastián, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Grenoble, Dallas, Helsinki, or Lund, among others. Furthermore, his work is present in major museums worldwide, and exhibitions have been held in various cities such as Berlin, London, or New York.
In 2000, the Chillida Leku museum was inaugurated, where a large part of his work currently rests in continuous dialogue with nature.
On January 10, 2024, the centenary of the artist and sculptor's birth was celebrated. With the aim of promoting his work on national and international stages, particularly addressing new generations, the Eduardo Chillida - Pilar Belzunce Foundation has prepared a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program consisting of exhibitions, publications, audiovisual projects, educational, and academic initiatives, among others. For the Foundation, this centenary represents an opportunity to highlight Chillida's legacy.
Correos (Spanish postal service) joins the centenary celebrations with the issuance of a stamp dedicated to Eduardo Chillida.
