New African Sculpture, Wood, Iron, Marble and Epoxy, 2023, 34 x 23 x 16 CM

Intriguing Play of Materials and Meanings
Mart Visser’s sculpture is a masterful work of layering and depth. At the heart of this piece lies an African sculpture, sourced from a tourist shop, which Visser ingeniously reinterprets. By slicing the figure into horizontal layers and combining them with pieces of stone and wood, he creates a captivating interplay of materials and textures. The smooth, modern casting resin contrasts strikingly with the rough, natural elements such as wood and stone, generating a powerful tension within the artwork. The translucent resin acts as a time capsule, enclosing and transforming the objects inside, giving the African sculpture a deeper, almost spiritual significance within this layered art form. This piece invites prolonged observation and reflection, with each layer revealing new meanings.

Authenticity and Reuse in a Layered Artwork
With this sculpture, Mart Visser challenges viewers to reflect on authenticity and reuse in contemporary art. By stripping everyday tourist souvenirs of their original context and integrating them into a new, complex whole, he questions cultural symbolism and the artist’s role as a storyteller. The result is a powerful and contemporary artwork where tradition and innovation converge. The piece explores themes of origin, identity, and reinterpretation, inviting viewers to look at the world around them with an open mind and fresh perspective. This layered mixed media sculpture makes an impressive addition to any art collection, enriching any space with its meaningful story and visual impact.