Shakira Gets Her Own Statue in Colombia

A statue of Shakira, one of Colombia’s most famous singers, will soon be adorning the city of Barranquilla in Colombia. The singer has reacted on her social media accounts in response to the statue being made of her in her hometown. The international artist expressed being “excited and deeply grateful” for the recognition that her fellow countrymen are paying her in her hometown.

The sculpture is being created by artist Yino Marquez, who is collaborating with two students from the District School of Art (EDA) in the city. Márquez is the creator of other figures of renowned personalities such as Pibe Valderrama and Joe Arroyo. The statue will have a height of 6.20 meters, will be cast in bronze, and will be located in the La Paz neighborhood of Barranquilla.

Shakira’s Reaction to Mayor Pumarejo’s Post

The mayor of the capital of Atlantico posted on his Instagram account the current status of the work in honor of the singer-songwriter. “We’re starting with her dress, and we’re going to turn it into waves of the sea. Here we see a sketch that will turn into water,” wrote the city’s mayor, Jaime Pumarejo.

Shakira reacted on her social media to the mayor’s video, showing her excitement and gratitude. “I feel moved and deeply grateful for this honor bestowed upon me by the hands of this artist and his team, extraordinary talent from my homeland. Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, my beautiful Barranquilla! You deserve everything! I love you so much!” tweeted the most universally known Barranquillera.

The artist is currently in a happy period, following a challenging year due to her breakup with former footballer Gerard Piqué and her tax issues with the Spanish authorities. Living in Miami with her children, she has been linked to alleged new romances. The most prominent rumor involves Shakira with Lewis Hamilton, the British Formula 1 driver.

Barranquilla, Proud of Its Global Icons

“This recognizes a Barranquilla-born, Colombian artist who has placed our culture on the world stage. But it’s also an opportunity for Yino and the people working with him, including EDA students, to show that artistic expressions like this can be created in Barranquilla,” said Pumarejo, referring to work that has passed the halfway mark in its creation.

The person responsible for the work, Yino Marquez, explained the status of the sculpture today. “You’re seeing the modeling at about 70% completion, for Shakira’s sculpture. We’ve been working for 45 days, the bottom part is almost defined, and the top part still needs some details,” said the visual artist. Marquez mentioned that the work is being done in sections, in order to gradually reveal the figure.

The mayor wanted to showcase the city’s generosity towards one of its most international icons, alongside the traditional Barranquilla Carnival and another global star like Sofia Vergara. Barranquilla is a proud city of shakiranatics.