Etsuro Sotoo, Japanese Sculptor Devoted to Sagrada Familia, Interviewed

Etsuro Sotoo, the Japanese sculptor who has served as chief sculptor at the Sagrada Familia construction site in Barcelona since 1978, was interviewed by Nowness magazine. Sotoo arrived in Barcelona over forty years ago and has dedicated his life to the Spanish cathedral, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 and is still ongoing, with completion expected in 2026. Sotoo recalled that when he first arrived, no one cared about the Sagrada Familia; it was just abandoned ruins of stones and rubble, a situation that persisted for many years. He was deeply captivated by Gaudí's vision and spiritual connection to the project, stating that Gaudí was in conversation with God about great and profound matters, and was far ahead of his time.