Colombia unveils Latin America's largest 3D-printed image of Christ: Video
A new 11-metre statue of Christ has been mounted in Commune 13, a neighbourhood once known for violence in Medellín, Colombia.
Called "El Cristo Paisa," the sculpture is the largest 3D-printed statue of Christ in Latin America. It was built using 1,700 3D-printed pieces by a team of young artists and engineers.
“My father, my three uncles died in Commune 13, and this is an honour for them,” said businessman Jamerson Restrepo, who sponsored the statue.
“I want my family to look at this and say he did it, Jamerson did it, he honoured our relatives.”
The construction was a challenge, said Alejandro Sierra, one of the creative engineers. “More than 1,600 pieces had to be assembled, like Lego, to give it shape and structure. Then we used fibreglass and resin to protect the plastic from the weather,” he explained.
Residents and visitors say the statue is helping transform the area’s image.
“It’s great because now young people can see they can express themselves through art,” said Ashley Pozo, a student. Others believe the statue not only beautifies the city but helps bring hope to a place once scarred by conflict.
