the sun

the sun (2018) by Ugo Rondinone is a monumental aluminum sculpture painted in vibrant yellow, evoking both the physical presence and symbolic resonance of the sun. As with much of Rondinone’s practice, the work draws from nature’s elemental forms and cycles, transforming them into striking contemporary icons that inspire reflection and joy.

Towering in scale yet minimal in form, the sun radiates an intense chromatic energy, asserting itself within the urban landscape as a beacon of warmth and renewal. Its circular shape and color palette reference the celestial body as both a source of life and a metaphor for time’s passage—a recurring theme throughout the artist’s body of work.

Rondinone is known for poetic minimalism and his use of archetypal symbols to channel emotional states. In this work, the sun becomes a universal marker of optimism, rhythm, and transformation. The sculpture’s seamless finish and bold simplicity invite viewers to engage with it physically and conceptually—its placement in a public setting reinforcing the artist’s belief that art should be part of daily life, accessible and democratic.

The installation is part of Riyadh Art’s Permanent Collection, contributing to the city’s evolving identity as a cultural landmark. With the sun, Rondinone introduces a meditative counterpoint to the built environment—an invitation to pause, recalibrate, and reconnect with something timeless.

This work continues the artist’s broader exploration of time, nature, and human perception, while offering a deeply resonant presence in Riyadh’s public realm—bridging personal experience with cosmic scale.