Harmonious Metal

An international sculptor whose work is heavily influenced by his musical training recently dedicated “Flame of Friendship” (“Flama De La Amistad”), an abstract polished stainless steel statue, to the El Paso Museum of Art.

Mexican master sculptor Leonardo Nierman, known for his sculptures that reproduce movement and harmony, officially unveiled “Flame of Friendship” (“Flama De La Amistad”), on October 15, as a gift to the community of El Paso from the people of Mexico. The work symbolizes the deep friendship shared by Mexico and the United States. Realized in stainless steel, the abstract work stands 15 feet tall and features fluid, flowing forms. The work, both ethereal and strong, embodies Nierman’s attention to gesture and reflection, and his melding of implied figuration and refinement.

Nierman spoke about the inspiration he derives from the concept of harmony. “There is a freedom in the joy of flying, not only like a bird, but also like a leaf on a tree that, with the wind, it travels…there is no limitation and there is this desire for harmony. There is a harmony that I feel is something that the human race needs,” said Nierman in a recent El Paso Times interview.

Nierman originally planned to become a violinist, and though his artistic practice eventually took a different direction, his years of musical training continue to play a major role in his art, inspiring his painting and sculpture. Nierman studied business and graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in 1951. However, the artist had started to paint and committed to become a professional visual artist. Nierman has earned an international reputation and his works can be viewed all over the globe. Examples of his monumental sculptures can be viewed throughout Mexico, the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia. Notable publically exhibited works in other media include a mural commissioned for the Physics Department at Princeton University.  Nierman also designed stained glass windows for Temple Beth Israel in Lomas de Chapultepec. Among numerous international recognitions received, Nierman is a lifetime member of the Royal Society of the Arts in London and has been awarded the Palme d’Or des Beaux Arts in Monaco.