Lorenzo Quinn

Inspired by Old Masters like Michelangelo, figurative sculptor Lorenzo Quinn has hit the headlines in recent years for his thought-provoking installations. Best known for his expressive hand sculpture, Lorenzo explains: "I wanted to sculpt what is considered the hardest and most technically challenging part of the human body. The hand holds so much power - the power to love, to hate, to create and to destroy."

The creative process for each piece begins with a poem. Upon completion of the sculpture, the poem is displayed alongside it as an integral aspect of the overall piece, rather than a mere explanation. Originally starting out as a painter taking inspiration from Salvador Dali, Lorenzo Quinn then moved into creating figurative sculptures.

He uses the techniques of the ancient lost-wax and bronze casting to mould his pieces, which lends itself well to the creation of his monumental sculptures. He begins by sculpting the model in clay or wax, which is then coated in plaster to ensure all the details are etched in at this stage. Once the plaster has been removed, the small details are added - making each limited edition sculpture inherently unique. Layer by layer, the model is coated with liquid ceramic and sand until dry, ready for the molten metal to be poured inside.

After breaking the ceramic away from the sculpture, the final stages of polishing and adding the patina can then be completed, finalising the piece.

The momumental Support sculpture from Lorenzo Quinn saw two large hands emerging from the Grand Canal to protect and support the historic Ca’ Sagredo Hotel. Symbolising tools that can both destroy and save the world, the hands served to emphasise the role people must play in supporting Venice's unique world heritage.

"Venice is a floating art city that has inspired cultures for centuries," the Italian artist explains. "But to continue to do so, it needs the support of both our and future generations, as it is threatened by time decay and climate change." After touching the hearts of crowds, Lorenzo was featured in publications across the globe, including the Telegraph, Evening Standard, Spiegel Online and Vice. 

Standing at 15 metres above the old shipyards and 20 metres wide the resin fibre sculpture took several weeks to assemble. Aptly positioned in the city of bridges, the white finish sits harmoniously alongside the historic architecture of Venice.

The title 'Building Bridges' symbolises the unity of people in all aspects of life - geographically, spiritually, philosophically, culturally and emotionally. The clasp of the hands enforces the people's need to have contact and to strive for collaboration instead of self-interest.