Mitoraj, Igor

Igor Mitoraj’s monumental works of art are characterized by a combination of classical aesthetics and modern symbolism. The artist focused his work on the human body and on figures from Greek and Roman mythology. His figures are reminiscent of ancient gods and heroes; recurring themes include Ikaros, Centaurus, Eros and Mars.

Mitoraj used classical materials such as bronze and marble for his sculptures; however, his figures are often deliberately fragmented, damaged or bandaged. Many of his sculptures have cracks, broken limbs, missing eyes or destroyed faces. This fragmentation lends the sculptures a timeless melancholy and at the same time emphasizes the imperfection, fragility and vulnerability of human beings. They appear calm and sublime to the viewer, yet also disturbing and thought-provoking.