Back

Human Connections

Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn brings monumental Building Bridges sculpture to Venice Biennale with a message of world unity and peace.

Internationally renowned contemporary Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn’s public art has been seen around the world depicting themes of love and human connection through his expressive recreation of figurative forms and human hands. Building Bridges, the pinnacle of Quinn’s artistic expression to date, is installed in the basin of the Arsenale in the Castello District of Venice. Composed of six pairs of monumental hands, 15 metres high and 20 metres wide, the spectacular sculpture speaks to humanity’s commonality, with an emphasis of bridging differences in all aspects of life – geographically, philosophically, culturally and emotionally. Lorenzo Quinn said, “Venice is a World Heritage City and it is the city of bridges. It is the perfect location to spread a message of world unity and peace so that more of us around the world build bridges with others rather than walls and barriers.”

Venice Art Biennale

Lorenzo Quinn’s Building Bridges sculpture at the Venice Biennale

“Each pair of the sculpture’s hands celebrate one of six universal human values: Friendship, to build on the future together; Wisdom, to make mutually beneficial decisions; Help, to cement lasting relationships; Faith, to trust in your heart and self-worth; Hope, to persevere in worthwhile endeavours; and Love, the fundamental purpose for it all,” he says.

Building Bridges, Lorenzo Quinn

Building Bridges sculpture, Lorenzo Quinn for the Venice Biennale

Quinn – the son of Oscar-winning actor Anthony Quinn is no stranger to Venice. His Support sculpture of colossal hands reaching out of the Grand Canal was 2017’s most photographed piece of art. The figurative sculptor’s work inspired by masters such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Rodin will be exhibited in London at the Halcyon Gallery from April 29 to June 30. The official unveiling of Building Bridges took place in Venice on the evening of May 9, 2019 with the participation of Andrea Bocelli, a musical performance by pianist Lola Astanova, and the presence of the Mayor of Venice, dignitaries and the general public.

By Aarthi Mohan

Pics Courtesy: The Artist

 

For more interesting topics please subscribe to Scale magazine.