It is a work that unites femininity, resistance, and the pure joy of existence. Crafted from the warm, earthy Rosso Verona marble, the sculpture carries within it the history of this place, a history of transformation, strength, and organic beauty.
The form of this approximately 2.10-meter-tall sculpture is inspired by the snail, a creature often overlooked, yet one with profound symbolism: patience, protection, resilience, and the idea of always carrying one’s home, one’s very being, within oneself. The spiral that emerges in the curves of the head reflects this unstoppable movement of growth and becoming, but also withdrawal, self-protection, a inner reflection.
Femininity is at the heart of this work. The broad, rounded forms, the open yet deeply grounded posture, the distinct incisions and structures within the stone, all speak of a primal force that is both delicate and relentless. The sculpture rests within itself, yet it also challenges the viewer. It is neither a mere symbol of gentleness nor a straightforward representation of strength.
The large scar on its side (a natural inclusion within the marble block) unapologetically reveals the harshness of life, playing with these contrasts and making visible that femininity, in its essence, is precisely this: a balancing act between vulnerability and resilience.
Yet, Rosenrot is not just a reflection on strength and identity but also an expression of pure joy in life. The upright posture, the almost dance-like lightness inherent in the massive stone, speaks of a proud existence. The sculpture celebrates life, growth, and the beauty of imperfection, clearly visible in the natural fractures within the stone, which were not concealed but rather deliberately embraced.
During the creative process, it was important for me to let the stone breathe, to give it space to tell its own story. Rosenrot is a work that is not only meant to be viewed but to be felt. It plays with textures, light and shadow, movement and stillness. And, of course, it carries the beautiful name of a strong woman from a Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale.
Ultimately, the interpretation remains open: Is it a tribute to the resilience of life? A celebration of femininity? Or simply an invitation to be proud of who we are?
I hope that everyone standing before this sculpture can discover a piece of their own story within it.
Verona (Italy) 2010
