Paladina of Education

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Representation
The transformative power of education to inspire a flourishing future for Guatemala's youth.
Role

Artist

Date

2.22.2022

Type of artwork

Monumental Sculpture

Overview

A Tribute to Yolanda Toledo de Leal, Advocate for Education and Empowerment

This fountain symbolizes the wellspring of knowledge and human reason, from which the world emerges and where this beautiful winged woman lands—in the Americas, in Guatemala. The female figure represents, in a universal, abstract, and artistic manner, an honorable citizen, philanthropist, visionary, and heroic Guatemalan leader, Yolanda Toledo de Leal. This Amazon is adorned with a warrior's breastplate, bearing a medallion with a wolf's face in relief, symbolizing intelligence, determination, courage, teamwork, love, and loyalty to family. Her flowing hair and wings symbolize the freedom necessary for humanity to effectively use its mind and succeed in a republican socio-economic and political system. The globe symbolizes universality and humanism, while the compass, scroll, and quill in her hands represent Yolanda’s fundamental tools: the mind, science, knowledge, and higher education. This sculptural ensemble envisions how, through quality education, Guatemalan youth can achieve their noblest aspirations—a flourishing life. This bronze monument, cast using the lost-wax technique, stands 1.9 meters tall and is located in the Yolanda Toledo de Leal Plaza on the rooftop of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala in the capital city.
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