People might be horrified at the mere notion that Giambologna's celebrated 16th-century sculpture The Rape of the Sabine Women has been defaced, but fellow sculptor Urs Fischer would never raise a hand against such a masterpiece. Instead, New York-based artist Urs Fischer has created a full-size wax replica of the statue. Accompanied by what at first appears to be an everyday modern man visiting the gallery, both sculptures melt before the real audience's eyes.
Like two giant candles, Urs Fischer's sculptures dramatically reflect the inevitable passing of time. It also shows how even the most resilient and best preserved manmade creations will eventually meet their end, and with that chip away at human's history on earth.
Urs Fischer's The Rape of the Sabine Women replica was exhibited during the Venice Art Biennale.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Wax Sculpture Art
- Wax replicas of famous sculptures are being created to provide an alternative means of appreciating classic artworks.
- Temporal Art Installations
- Art installations that visually show the transient nature of all things are gaining popularity.
- Audience Participation Art
- Art that encourages audience participation, such as watching sculptures melt, is becoming increasingly popular.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Art and Sculpture
- Opportunities exist to introduce new innovative art techniques and mediums, and create a new form of contemporary sculpture.
- Museum and Gallery
- Museums and galleries can curate and host unique exhibits that offer an immersive and interactive viewing experience for visitors.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Advertising and marketing companies can use the concept of melting sculptures as a metaphor for a limited-time offer or a fleeting opportunity to create a sense of urgency among consumers.
