Torch of Friendship

This 65 foot tall sculpture, created by the artist Sebastian, was presented as a gift from the Mexican government to the city of San Antonio in 2002. It is meant to be a symbol of friendship and unity between Mexico, the US and Canada.
The sculpture is constantly illuminated and its gorgeous red hue changes with the lighting.
A plaque near the sculpture includes the following quote by the artist:
«…it reflects the different facets of the relationship between our countries: sometimes festive, at times complex, at times very strong, but at the end, integrated and harmonious.»
–Sebastian
Five stars for the concept this sculpture represents in recognizing a complex friendship between countries, and five stars for a beautiful reminder to celebrate our own relationships.

It doesn’t look like a torch but it’s a great landmark as you’re walking around and are not too familiar with the streets. It’s pretty cool looking and adds color to the twilight sky which as a photographer I get excited about. I guess the message the torch has is kind of like «sorry we killed all those people», but hey, that’s not for me to decide and a lot of bad things have happened in history that we have moved beyond.

La Antorcha de la Amistad
This monumental piece of public art by Sebastian was donated by the Mexican government to the people of the city of San Antonio. I guess it was sent to make up for Mexican General Santa Anna’s slaughter of Texas troops down the street at the Battle of the Alamo. The selection of the site for the statue was controversial, as it was where many of the Alamo’s defenders were executed by the Mexican soldiers following the battle.
The statue displays two parallel columns rising from the intersection, symbolizing two parallel cultures, languages, and nations rising up together, and intersecting at the top like a flame, in interesting and exciting ways.
It’s a nice piece of art, and a great landmark to hang out in front of and watch the traffic go by. Just please be sure to use the crosswalks, as it’s a strange roundabout intersection for Texan drivers.

As public art goes I guess it could be worse but I certainly don’t see a torch or a flame. I see a giant, twisty tie from a loaf of bread that has been jammed in the ground but I give it 3 stars for something I have always enjoyed far more than public art; irony.
Only Mexico has the cojunes to «gift» us a 60 foot high, enchilada red, statue titled the Torch of Friendship and only the City of San Antonio is stupid enough to ok the placement of the said «gift» literally a stones throw away from where the bodies of those killed in the Battle of the Alamo where stacked like cord wood and burned in the two pyres. You know, because nothing symbolizes the long standing friendship between Mexicans and Texans more than flames.
Jesus, can somebody buy these people a historic clue?

I’m always a fan of statues and sculptures and I think it’s a great landmark for SA, representing the friendship of North American countries.

The Torch of Friendship was a life saver during our trip in San Antonio. No matter where I would be walking, I would always somehow find my way back here, and then could get my bearings again. It’s very prominent and can’t be missed. Plus for large modern art, it’s not an eye sore, and makes a unique photo opp.

This a beautiful landmark and piece of public art in the heart of San Antonio. Many people call it «That Orange Thing Near McDonalds» and was installed as a gift from Mexico in 2002. Not everyone was thrilled about it, but hey, I’m not thrilled about the McDonalds, either.

Wandering through the streets of San Antonio, in the distance a giant red structure arose through a gap in the streets. Since I was headed in that direction already and was infused with curiosity, I stopped to ponder the structure. It’s purpose was inscrutable and signage is notably absent. «This is probably some high-​brow obscure metaphorical tribute to the tragedy of the nearly extinct Amami Spiny Rat of Japan» I groused.
And I figured that I would probably never know the full story of this monument. But, amazingly, sitting in a café across the street was the sculptor, Sebastian! He then granted me the privilege of sitting down and interviewing him over a cup of coffee.
Me: «Thank you for sitting down and taking the time to talk to me.»
S: «I am always happy to explain the wonders of art to the masses.»
Me: (clears throat) «So, how do you like San Antonio?»
S: «I like it very much. It’s a wonderful place, rich in history and culture.»
Me: «Okay. So tell me a little bit about the sculpture. What’s it for?»
S: «Well, originally I was designing it as a tribute to the Amami Spiny Rat of Japan…»
Me: «HA! I KNEW IT!»
S: «…but then a member of the Association of Mexican Entrepreneurs of San Antonio was walking by and remarked how it would be great as a symbol of the growing ties between Mexico and the United States. So I went with that.»
Me: (nodding) «I can see that. So what’s with the single name, Sebastian? Weren’t you born Enrique Carbajal?»
S: «Yes, but once you become important, it is necessary to change your name to a single word. Once you become famous, your works no longer are constrained by the normal boundaries of morality, time, space…»
Me: «Please stop. Forget I asked the question.»
(uncomfortable silence)
Me: «What is it about the symbolism of fire that you were trying to convey here?»
S: «Fire is the origin of friendship. In the same way that people share food over a fire, the torch signifies the friendship, strength and creativity of relationships. This is what fire does.»
Me: «Doesn’t it also burn down houses?»
S: (gets up and walks away)
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Disclaimer: It’s possible this interview was imaginary.
Disclaimer #2: This interview is in no way meant to demean art. Beyond the aesthetics of art, even at its’ most functional, art provides a way to differentiate a beautiful house from a 1950’s era Soviet housing project.
Disclaimer #3: This review in no way is meant to demean US-​Mexican ties. I’m personally happy at the improving ties between our nations since the days of Pancho Villa.
Disclaimer #4: It should be noted that Disclaimer #3 does not necessarily endorse the formation of a North American Union and adoption of the Amero as a form of currency.
Disclaimer #5: Disclaimer #4 does not necessarily mean that I do not endorse the formation of a North American Union. It’s just that you shouldn’t read any particular personal preference on my behalf out of this review.
Disclaimer #6: The iocane powder is in the glass closest to you.

I absolutely love this landmark of ours. Not only because of what it stands for, but it is aesthetically pleasing to me as well. I remember that corner before it was there, and it was just any other intersection. It is now home to one more beautiful piece of art that now adds to our skyline. As Jai mentioned some people don’t like it, or like it but just not the location, but I personally think those people are all poop heads. So yeah… in the words of the great Jamie B. «I’m just sayin’»

A gift to San Antonio by Mexican leaders to represent both friendship and roots many share in Texas and Mexico. It’s made of 50 tons of red steel, stands 65 ft tall and was shipped here in six pieces. Unfortunately, despite what it means some people think this thing is an eyesore to the downtown area.