tomáš libertíny covers 'marsyas' sculpture with beeswax to symbolize healing & forgiveness

Marsyas by Tomáš Libertíny

Adding to his expansive collection of natural beeswax sculptures, Rotterdam-based artist Tomáš Libertíny introduces his new sculpture ‘Marsyas’. Based on the ancient Greek myth of the same name, the work recreates the famous plaster sculpture ‘The Torment of Marsyas’ exhibited in the Louvre, covering its lower part with a new beeswax skin. The artwork touches the pendulum between aspirations and consequences, reminding everyone that every day we strive to be better than yesterday, and that to do so we must make certain sacrifices.

‘Marsyas’ by Tomáš Libertíny | all images courtesy of Tomáš Libertíny

the myth of Marsyas

According to one version of the ancient Greek myth, Marsyas was an artist who mastered the double-piped double reed instrument known as ‘aulos’ so well that he was confident enough to challenge the god Apollo to a duel. The two performed before an assembly of muses and nymphs who would decide the winner of the contest. The spectacle began to turn in Marsyas’ favor. To avoid the shame of defeat, the god added his voice to the sound of the instrument, which Marsyas could not do, since he could only play the instrument. As unfair as it may be, Marsyas lost and he was flayed alive as a punishment.

Drawing from this myth, Tomáš Libertíny, created a plaster sculpture of Marsyas, covering half of the body with beeswax. ‘The hive covered its lower torso with a new beeswax skin ‘made by bee’ as symbol of healing as well forgiveness.’ the Slovakian artist shares.

With his latest work, Libertiny tries to make it clear that, human as we are, we all have our own ambitions. We strive to be better, and we are willing to give up some measure of our own comfort, to pay the price, in order to improve our lives. ‘It is not a weakness to look up to our heroes, whom we admire and respect, and to the gods we worship, and to imagine that we might one day achieve their greatness in whatever facet of life we deem worthy. Human life is a form of sacrifice in which we gain on one side and lose on the other to balance the administration of the imaginary god. Along the purity of intention and ambition comes an inevitable blindness to consequences.’ The sculpture addresses this pendulum between aspirations and consequences. The base of the oil barrel represents an inescapable relationship with nature and its resources. ‘Marsyas’ by Tomáš Libertíny will be on display as part of the artist’s solo exhibition at the Axel Pairon Gallery, Knokke, Belgium, from March 18 to April 30, 2023. The official vernissage will take place on April 8 in the presence of the artist.