Terraces of the land and the air, Sculpture in Clermont-Ferrand, France
Terrasses de la terre et de l'air is a public sculpture on Place du 1er Mai in Clermont-Ferrand, France. It consists of four large square water basins connected by paths of dark Volvic stone, with six bronze sculptures placed at the center.
The sculpture was created in 1989 by French artist Étienne-Martin. It was part of a broader effort to bring outdoor art into the public spaces of Clermont-Ferrand.
The six bronze sculptures stand in a circle around the basins on Place du 1er Mai, giving the whole arrangement a sense of gathering. The paths of Volvic stone between the basins invite visitors to walk through at their own pace and choose their own route.
The sculpture sits on a busy square in the city center and is easy to reach on foot. Visiting at different times of day is worth it, as the light changes the look of the bronze surfaces noticeably.
The paths between the basins are paved with Volvic stone, a local lava rock known for its dark color and used throughout the Auvergne region for paving and construction. This choice of material ties the artwork directly to the volcanic landscape around the city.
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