Mariposa de la Vida

Overview

We were commissioned by the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry to document the monumental installation of a 12-meter, 30-ton sculpture titled "Mariposa de la Vida." This iconic piece, created by the renowned Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry, was installed at the entrance of Ruta 104 Doctor Alejandro Atchugarry, marking a symbolic gateway for the community and its visitors. The project’s purpose was to capture the grandeur, significance, and emotional impact of this momentous event, as well as to showcase the artistic process and the profound message behind the sculpture. Our work sought to emphasize themes of cultural legacy, artistic excellence, and the shared dreams of the Uruguayan community and its visitors.

Challenges & Approach

The primary challenge of this project was capturing the essence of a large-scale, multi-hour installation in a way that felt engaging, emotional, and true to the artistic vision of Pablo Atchugarry. Unlike traditional art documentaries, this project required meticulous coordination and adaptability, as the process unfolded over a 13-hour period, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, without a moment’s pause.

To overcome this, we prepared extensively during pre-production. Key steps included obtaining aerial flight permissions to legally and safely operate drones in the installation zone, which was critical for capturing sweeping aerial shots of the process. On the production day, we utilized multiple drones and a 4K camera to film from diverse perspectives, blending ground-level close-ups with cinematic aerial footage. Our approach prioritized visual storytelling, with an emphasis on the scale, craftsmanship, and symbolic meaning of the sculpture.

We also secured an exclusive interview with Pablo Atchugarry himself, in which he shared the sculpture’s backstory. He revealed that "Mariposa de la Vida" was originally crafted in Italy and displayed in Lajatico, Tuscany, where it served as the backdrop for two concerts by Andrea Bocelli. Afterward, the sculpture’s journey to Uruguay in 2024 required transportation in seven containers before being installed in Manantiales, just 4 kilometers from the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry. During a press conference, the artist shared his hope for the sculpture’s impact, stating, "Espero que la mariposa nos ayude a hacer volar todos nuestros sueños."

The result

The final video captured the heart and soul of "Mariposa de la Vida," blending compelling storytelling with technical precision. The narrative conveyed a sense of wonder and inspiration, mirroring the message of the artist. Visual highlights included golden-hour shots of the sculpture’s majestic form, dynamic drone footage of its ascent, and intimate moments with Pablo Atchugarry himself. Each frame was meticulously crafted to reflect the elegance, power, and symbolic depth of the artwork.

The soundtrack was designed to enhance the emotional gravity of the piece, with a subtle yet powerful musical arrangement that complemented the slow, deliberate installation of the sculpture. The combination of visual storytelling, aerial perspectives, and Pablo Atchugarry’s interview created a profound emotional connection for viewers, emphasizing the artistic legacy of the sculpture and its message of hope and shared dreams.

The result was a moving audiovisual experience that drew admiration from the Uruguayan community and international audiences alike. The video stands as a testament to the power of art to inspire, unite, and elevate the human spirit.