Inspired by Neolithic sculpting techniques and Romanian heritage, Hora highlights the dance of 100 unique ceramic figurines in three circles centring around a child with the world at his feet. Hand-sculpted by artist Marius Diaconu, the piece represents unity and hope and that nothing can be achieved in isolation.
Already a source of joy and inspiration among thousands, Hora recently took a new meaning with its presence at COP28. As political and world leaders emerged, the installation acted as a beacon of hope, encouraging collaborative conversation and efforts to make a real difference for existing and future generations.
HORA – THE UNITY DANCE
A TIMELINE OF HORA
NEOLITHIC INSPIRED SCULPTING TECHNIQUES
Marius’s technique, inspired by the ancient Neolithic period, draws inspiration from anthropomorphic and zoomorphic clay artefacts of a bygone era.
The sculptures, whose materials closely resemble those used in that era, hollow inside and moulded by hand from a single piece of clay, eschew traditional sculptural methods. Clay strips are painstakingly layered, evoking an art form as old as human history.
Yet, these creations possess a contemporary twist – clothing details and individual roles that allow them to stand alone or come together in groups without the need for pedestals or bases, a departure from traditional statuary works. This fusion of ancient techniques with modern sensibilities breathes new life into the art world, producing a series of works with unparalleled historical and artistic value.
After the meticulous modelling process, each piece undergoes a drying period of 4-5 days before being fired in a special ceramic oven for 12-14 hours at temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1200 degrees Celsius. The result is not merely art; it's a timeless indication of the power of creativity.
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