Tomáš Libertíny, the renowned artist known for his captivating honeycomb sculptures, continues to push the boundaries of creativity with his latest works. Drawing inspiration from mythology and history, Libertíny delves into the realms of sacrifice, service, and the essence of life itself. Through the tireless efforts of diligent bee colonies, these sculptures come to life, representing profound themes within the context of love. According to Libertíny:
The “made by bees” sculpture is build around hand-made branch framework departing from my previous 3D printed foundations. The rough form of the mould leaves much of the interpretion to what the portrait should look like to mother nature – the colony of honeybees themselves. The result is strangely robust but gentle human face.
In one of his recent creations, titled “Memento Vivere / Feed Your Head,” Libertíny explores the concept of rebirth and the reversal of death. The honeycomb head, emerging from its vessel, carries the hope of regaining life. Left longer in the beehive, it would have taken on a completely human form. This powerful piece reflects the artist’s personal experiences of sacrifice and loss, urging us to contemplate the magnificence of our world in the limited time we have.
“Memento Vivere / John the Baptist”
Another striking sculpture, “Eternity (a.k.a. Nefertiti),” pays homage to the ancient Egyptian queen, Nefertiti, and her enduring strength. Based on a 3D model of her original portrait, the sculpture symbolizes the duality of life and nature, both fragile and resilient. It stands as a testament to the timelessness of “mother nature” and the tenacity of powerful female figures who defy the odds.
One cannot help but be captivated by Libertíny’s collaboration with a colony of 60,000 bees in creating the bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Over several months, the bees diligently constructed their honeycomb cells around a framework engineered by the artist. The result is an impressive and resilient piece, showcasing the delicate yet durable nature of beeswax. This sculpture serves as a reminder of the fragility and power that coexist in our world, paralleling the strength of great ideas.
Tomáš Libertíny’s bee sculptures are not just remarkable works of art but also a testament to the intricate collaboration between nature and the artist’s vision. Through the industrious efforts of bees, these sculptures take shape, representing profound concepts and evoking a sense of awe. As we marvel at these creations, we are reminded of the delicate beauty and enduring strength found in the natural world.
Sources:
“Memento Vivere / John the Baptist” – http://www.tomaslibertiny.com/memento-vivere-john-the-baptist/
“Eternity (a.k.a. Nefertiti)” – http://www.tomaslibertiny.com/sculpture#/eternityred/
“Mustafa Kemal Ataturk” – http://www.tomaslibertiny.com/mustafa-kemal-ataturk/