Rustic Realism: Edgardo Carmona's Iron Giants of the River District

Feb 17
1 min read

If you are strolling through the Fort Myers River District, you might find yourself doing a double-take at a rusted iron figure playing chess or a life-sized horse seemingly frozen in time. These are the "Iron Giants" of Colombian artist Edgardo Carmona, a 23-piece collection that has become a permanent staple of the Fort Myers public art scene. Originally brought here as a temporary exhibit from Paris, these Cor-Ten steel sculptures were so beloved by locals that the City purchased the entire collection in 2018.

Carmona doesn't sculpt kings or generals; he sculpts the "everyman." His work captures the whimsical, everyday moments of his hometown in Cartagena, Colombia. You’ll find:

"Negacion a Baco" (Two Drunks on a Bench): A local favorite located near the Franklin Shops on First Street.
"Al Filo" (The Knife Sharpener): A nostalgic look at a dying trade, capturing the intensity of manual labor.
"Dúo Sinfónico" (Man Playing Flute): at its new home at The IMAG History & Science Center.

While many remain in the River District, the city has begun moving several sculptures to "Art Hubs" in different wards to spread the culture. You can now find them at spots like Roberto Clemente Park, the IMAG History & Science Center, and the Alliance for the Arts.

Download the Otocast app on your phone. It’s a free GPS-guided audio tour that will tell you exactly where each sculpture is located and the story behind the art in the artist’s own words.