VERTICAL STONEWARE SCULPTURES
The vertical series of sculptures is closely linked to the horizontal works preceding it, but it manifests a different perspective on the form itself, its partial defragmentation and fusion, and its concept delves deeper into the earlier confrontation with architecture.
The inspiration for this series stems from architecture’s structural elements, particularly the foundations of ancient temples and ruins. The imagery of columns, stone blocks, and monumental buildings resonates strongly in this work, creating a visual dialogue between the ancient and the modern. Phallic forms used for Pilastra, Coalescence and Ancora sculpture serve as pedestals or columns, providing the foundation for sharp geometric blocks that anchor the composition. The base of the sculpture is rounded, providing a sense of lightness and creating the illusion that the piece floats upward, much like the base of a vessel. This rounded base mirrors the design of the upper portion of the pillar, which tapers inward, forming a neutral structure to support the geometrical volume above. This column seems to hold within it a fragment of the architrave, piercing through the sculpture’s interior.
In the case of the Axis Sculpture, it takes on the form of a heavy foundation that has been turned and deformed, like a substructure moved by immense forces through a shifting landscape, gradually uncovered over time and frozen in form.
The finish of these vertical sculptures is intentionally minimal. I chose not to use glazes, allowing the stoneware itself to speak for the work. The same stoneware used throughout the sculpture was treated with various techniques, including multi-layered and filtered applications. This process produced a distinctive effect during the final firing, resulting in a surface that echoes a naturally eroded texture of stone aged by weather and time. The porous, almost stone-like texture of the surface enhances the feeling of a solid structure, like the only lasting remnant of a larger construction that has not succumbed to destructive forces.
The sharp architectural shapes of the sculptures are softened by the rounded edges, adding dynamism to the form in its monolithic rawness. These rounded edges echo the base of the pedestal, tying the entire structure together in a harmonious and cohesive way.
The scale of the sculptures plays a crucial role in this series. The dimensions reflect the inspiration taken from carved stone blocks, whose movement required effort. The size and weight of the sculptures are integral to their impact, further reinforcing the solidity and permanence of the form.
In essence, the vertical sculptures blend ancient architectural references with modern forms, creating a lasting, powerful presence that speaks to the passage of time and the resilience of structure.
