SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio has announced a new public art installation is complete, and open for visitors.

“Aguas Onduladas” (Rippling Waters), a is a new public art installation at Elmendorf Lake Park.

“The artwork, comprised of three cut stainless steel waves, honors the natural elements with a pattern cut into the metal that resembles rippling water. The finish of the stainless steel provides a reflection of the viewer and light as if he or she was looking into water. The largest wave, located on the north end of the triangle, stands 12 feet at its tallest point. The smallest wave on the south end stands three feet at the shortest point,” the city said in a press release.

The artist team of RDG Dahlquist Art Studio collaborated with poet Carmen Tafolla to incorporate text from her poems into the rippling water pattern.

Excerpts of Tafolla’s poems, “Cada Sueño” and “River Music,” can be read by pedestrians as they walk through the sculptures to or from the park.

According to the city, the artwork is lit from within allowing safe passage across the triangle on foot and an illuminated landmark for drivers at night. The amber light also references pierced metal lanterns and the warm glow of front porch lights found throughout San Antonio’s Westside neighborhoods.

“The richness of this public artwork is how it truly does what public art is intended to do – it represents the people and identity of the space it is in. Incorporating elements that honor the natural surroundings and the cultural richness of the community makes this art installation one that all San Antonio residents and visitors should experience because it tells a unique story,” said District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales. “The inclusion of excerpts from Carmen Tafolla’s poetry adds to the beauty and significance of this artwork.”

The Department of Arts & Culture’s Public Art San Antonio division commissioned the artwork as part of a larger renovation project of the park by the San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department.  

The project is a collaboration between the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the San Antonio River Authority. The three cut aluminum forms were fabricated and installed by Garces Waterjet with assistance from Kuest Corp. Metal Fabricators. Both are located in San Antonio.

For more information on Public Art San Antonio, visit GetCreativeSanAntonio.com.