# Sacrilegious Sculpture Renditions Michelangelo is Challenged by the Jan Fabre 'Pieta' Design By Romina S. Cortellucci | Published 2012-08-18 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jan-fabre-pieta References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/jan-fabre-pieta) & [janfabre.be](http://janfabre.be/angelos/selection-work/sculptures-objects-and-installations/) The Jan Fabre 'Pieta' sculpture is a contemporary reinterpretation of the Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo. Using the most famous version of the Pieta, a religious sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus's dead body, Belgium-based artist Jan Fabre transforms this classic iconography. The artist often uses themes of humanity and empathy in his work and these avant-garde pieces are no different. Replacing Christ with Fabre's own figure, while Mary's face becomes a skull, the piece is examining themes of death and grief. Surrounded by the main Pieta sculpture are versions of the human brain meant to symbolize universal religions, paganism and the idea that empathy comes from the brain not the heart. The Jan Fabre Pieta sculptures are on showing in Antwerp, Belgium until September 23, 2012. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Contemporary Sculpture Renditions:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to create modern interpretations of classic sculptures, exploring new themes and perspectives. - **Exploration of Death and Grief:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to delve into the portrayal of death and grief in artistic expressions, challenging traditional representations. - **Interplay of Religious and Scientific Symbolism:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to merge religious iconography with scientific symbolism in artworks, creating thought-provoking juxtapositions. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Sculpture:** The art and sculpture industry has the opportunity to embrace disruptive innovation by reimagining classic sculptures and exploring new themes. - **Art Exhibitions and Events:** The art exhibitions and events industry can capitalize on disruptive innovation by showcasing exhibits that challenge traditional representations and provoke thought. - **Artistic Expression and Symbolism:** The industry of artistic expression and symbolism has the opportunity to innovate by merging religious iconography with scientific symbolism, creating unique art forms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Unseen Artist Masterpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelangelos-untold-works.md) - [Modern Design-Exploring Art Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pratone-chair.md) - [Afro-Futuristic Marble Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaia.md) - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md) - [Striking Wearable Sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-sculpture-1.md) - [Human Torso-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lene-bdker.md) - [Luxury Fashion Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-fashion-sculpture.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md)