A Bilbao Maritime Museum exhibition opened on 24 July 2013 with Baluarte 1,2,3,4,5, a large-scale sculpture made from five shipping containers. Alberto Díez and Leo Burge, fourth-year Art students at UPV/EHU, created the work for the museum’s quays.
A Bilbao Maritime Museum exhibition created by students
Aurtenetxea Containers initiated the project with the collaboration of Zabala Arquitectos, the museum and the university’s Faculty of Fine Arts. An open call invited students to propose painting, sculpture, audiovisual work, performance or other interventions designed for the museum’s outdoor spaces.
The selected sculpture was presented by its artists alongside museum director Jon Ruigomez, Fine Arts vice-dean Natxo Rodríguez and Julen Aurtenetxea of Aurtenetxea Containers.
Five containers in dialogue with the port
The work placed the containers outside their usual rational arrangement, creating a direct and unexpected encounter with passers-by. Its playful composition connected everyday objects with an unfamiliar volume.
The exhibition was planned to run until September 2013. It shared the outdoor setting with museum collection pieces and sculptures by Jesús Lizaso and Pedro Txillida.
Art beyond the university
The project formed part of the faculty’s work to bring student art into the city, including shops, galleries and unusual settings such as the Deusto Bridge.
The museum was celebrating its tenth anniversary that year. The original announcement described efforts to connect with visitors through initiatives including free Tuesday admission, a new terrace and art in the former Euskalduna shipyard docks. These details refer to the 2013 programme.
Read our summary of the contemporary press coverage of Baluarte or explore more container projects.