Berlinde De Bruyckere, mixed media, 2004
With a humanism that focuses on absolute emotion, Belgian artist Berlinde De Bruyckere creates tormented sculptures. Human bodies lack faces and avoid direct communication, yet they encourage dialogue about the essence of our existence. Suffering, the human remnant itself, consists of terrifying fleshy wax sculptures that confuse the order of our minds and disturb our peace of mind. The mystical imagery of this artist testifies to a sensitive confrontation with drama and eroticism.
Attraction and repulsion, life and death – it all resonates in the work ‘Head’ – a horse’s head deprived of all senses. What appears sinister offers something serene, as if begging to be caressed tenderly. The velvety animal skin, freeing themselves from vulnerability, mesmerize us. The carnal representation proves to have a sacred character but is at odds with Biblical redemption.
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