Christian Verginer carves figurative sculptures that meld the play and wonder of adolescence with the vitality of the natural world

Christian Verginer carves figurative sculptures that meld the play and wonder of adolescence with the vitality of the natural world.

Christian Verginer was born in 1982 in Bressanone, Italy. His expressionist sculptures are considered to be some the most unique on the scene today. His formal training began with attending the sculpture department of the art school of Ortisei. He then continued studying sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara.

“Too far too close” (2023), plinth, limewood, iron wire, and acrylic, 140 x 40 centimeters

For his latest works, Verginer looks at the relationship between humankind and nature. In these works, he ventures far from the submission and agitation towards nature as expressed by German Caspar David Friedrich almost three centuries ago. Instead, Verginer evokes a loving and caring attitude towards nature, kindling feelings of empathy and protection.

Detail of “The Tree in Me.” All images © Christian Verginer

The changing motives in his works promote respectful, harmonious relations at times, and then at others, they reveal the relationship to be of a cold, greedy master of resources. Nonetheless, the best definition of Christian Verginer’s works can be found in the words of the German painter, Friedrich, when he said ‘the artist’s soul and sensitivity are what need to be reflected in nature. Recognising, penetrating, welcoming and reproducing the spirit of nature with the whole heart and soul are therefore the task of a work of art’