Monument to Victims of Terrorism Madrid – Lest we forget

While it isn’t always useful to dwell on the past, victims should be commemorated out of respect and as a reminder of the senselessness of such crimes.

A recent monument honours all 1429 victims of terrorism in Madrid and was installed in 2023. To be found at the junction of Lopez de Hoyos, Joaquín Costa and Francisco Silvela streets, it comprises 96 prisms - white on the outside to represent the innocence of those who died, and cyan, magenta, yellow and black on the inward facing sides, to represent how people return to life when we remember them. Named “Recuerdo Vivo,” (living memory) this abstract piece by the Sawu Studio Collective makes a colourful addition to the urban landscape.

I like its abstract nature; the theme isn’t obvious. It feels more hopeful than sad. And we need some hope these days.