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Delta Solar

Delta Solar is a public artwork by Venezuelan sculptor Alejandro Otero, located outside the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The abstract sculpture was created to pay tribute to modern technology. It is made of stainless steel and consists of sail-like elements that move in the breeze, attached to an open geometric grid. The sculpture stands on a concrete base and is placed within a reflecting pool. It was presented as a gift to celebrate the bicentennial of the American Revolution and was inaugurated by Carlos Andrés Pérez, president of Venezuela. The inauguration, originally planned for spring, was delayed because the temperature was considered too cold for pouring the concrete.

Delta Solar sculpture with reflective triangular panels rising above a dark pool of water.
Delta Solar, a geometric sculpture with reflective panels, stands above a dark reflecting pool.
June 2008 © · Public domain
Delta Solar, a pyramid-shaped stainless steel sculpture with reflective panels in a grassy park
Delta Solar rises above a dark reflecting basin in a park setting.
© · CC BY 3.0
Delta Solar pyramid sculpture made of a metallic grid with reflective triangular panels, set against bare trees and a light-colored building.
Delta Solar rises as a pyramid-like metal sculpture with reflective panels in Southwest Washington, D.C.
© · CC BY 3.0
Delta Solar, a large silver geometric sculpture with fan-like elements above a reflective pool.
Delta Solar stands over a dark reflective pool, with grass and nearby buildings in the background.
© · CC BY 3.0
Delta Solar sculpture with reflective diamond-shaped panels and silvery metal framing outdoors among trees.
Delta Solar, the angular reflective sculpture by Alejandro Otero, displayed outdoors near the museum.
June 2005 © · Public domain

Identification

TitleDelta Solar
TypePublic art sculpture

Creator

ArtistAlejandro Otero
Artist nationalityVenezuelan

Historical context

Gift dedicationGift celebrating the Bicentennial of the American Revolution
Dedication dateJune 29, 1977
Original intended dedication timeSpring
Dedication delayPostponed because cold weather was considered too cold for pouring the concrete base
Dedicated byCarlos Andrés Pérez, President of Venezuela

Physical characteristics

LocationOutside the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, United States
SettingPlaced in a reflecting pool
StyleAbstract
StructureOpen geometric grid with sail-shaped pieces
MovementThe sail-shaped pieces move in the breeze

Materials

MaterialsStainless steel and concrete base

Iconography and meaning

Purpose / meaningMeant to pay homage to modern technology and the Inca sun cult