Concrete, a versatile and durable material, has been used to create some of the world's most iconic outdoor sculptures. These monumental works of art not only withstand the elements but also become defining features of their locations.
One of the most recognizable is the Chicago Picasso in Daley Plaza, an abstract 50-foot-tall sculpture gifted to the city by Pablo Picasso in 1967. Its bold geometric forms have made it a beloved landmark.
In Brazil, the Monumento às Bandeiras in São Paulo celebrates the country's pioneers with its dramatic concrete figures pushing forward, symbolizing progress and exploration.
The Broken Obelisk by Barnett Newman, though often associated with its steel versions, has concrete variants displayed in public spaces, offering a striking commentary on resilience and fragmentation.
Japan's Taro Okamoto Memorial Park features his massive concrete Myth of Tomorrow, a haunting depiction of atomic energy that commands attention in Tokyo's Shibuya Station.
These concrete masterpieces demonstrate how this humble material can be transformed into powerful artistic statements that endure for generations, blending artistry with urban identity.