{"id":628924,"date":"2026-09-18T21:18:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T21:18:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/628924\/"},"modified":"2026-09-18T21:18:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T21:18:13","slug":"across-two-exhibitions-jaume-plensas-monumental-sculptures-unite-scale-and-material-colossal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/628924\/","title":{"rendered":"Across Two Exhibitions, Jaume Plensa’s Monumental Sculptures Unite Scale and Material \u2014 Colossal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Measuring 28 feet wide and seven feet tall, two monumental wooden relief sculptures anchor Beyond Silence, a new exhibition at GRAY Chicago<\/a> featuring works by Catalan artist and sculptor Jaume Plensa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The broad works\u2014titled \u201cJulia\u201d and \u201cMaria\u201d\u2014were created as part of the artist\u2019s recent series, Beyond Silence, which shares a name with the show. The two paneled pieces transform the gallery\u2019s open exhibition space with their rigid angles, creating a structured rhythm to complement the subdued contours of the faces they depict. As a result, a conversation arises between Plensa\u2019s signature overarching motifs<\/a>, such as the human figure, use of architectural materials, and the perception of space.<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cMaria\u201d (2026). Cast iron and granite stone, 85 3\u20448 \u00d7 62 7\u20448 \u00d7 109 3\u20448 inches<\/p>\n

Surrounding these wooden reliefs, viewers encounter dramatically elongated faces stretching seven feet high. The impressive portraits are part of Plensa\u2019s Clouds series, in which the artist pairs cast iron\u2014a material often associated with commercialism and industry\u2014with the suavity of granite stone, \u201cproducing an unexpected sense of suspension and weightlessness,\u201d the gallery says. <\/p>\n

Like many of Plensa\u2019s works, the large faces stand with their eyes closed, allowing viewers to experience each monumental figure intimately. These impressive pieces evoke a quiet stillness and offer a unique space for introspection, meditation, and a sense of intimacy through shared humanity. <\/p>\n

Beyond Silence marks the artist\u2019s tenth solo exhibition with GRAY, and coincides with Remote, Serene, Ethereal<\/a> opening next week at the gallery\u2019s New York location. Both exhibitions are on view through December 19. And if you\u2019re in Chicago, you can always find Plensa\u2019s iconic work, Crown Fountain<\/a>, at Millennium Park. Find more from the artist on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cTwilight III\u201d (2025). Bronze, 20 3\u20444 \u00d7 8 5\u20448 \u00d7 8 1\u20444 inches. Edition of 7<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cSilent Maria\u201d (2025). Painted bronze, 71 5\u20448 \u00d7 27 1\u20448 \u00d7 35 3\u20448 inches. Edition of 5<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cBeyond Silence (Julia)\u201d (2026). Wood and steel, 85 3\u20448 \u00d7 339 1\u20444 \u00d7 41 1\u20444 inches<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cIrmaleni\u201d (2026). Cast iron and granite stone, 85 3\u20444 \u00d7 68 1\u20442 \u00d7 110 1\u20448 inches<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cTwilight II\u201d (2025). Bronze, 22 3\u20444 \u00d7 7 3\u20448 \u00d7 7 3\u20448 inches. Edition of 7<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cFlora\u201d (2026). Cast iron and granite stone, 85 3\u20448 \u00d7 61 3\u20444 \u00d7 108 1\u20444 inches<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cTwilight VI\u201d (2025). Bronze, 20 3\u20448 \u00d7 9 \u00d7 12 1\u20448 inches. Edition of 7<\/p>\n

\"a<\/a>\u201cRemote (Yolandita)\u201d (2026). Painted bronze, 87 3\u20444 \u00d7 24 3\u20448 \u00d7 27 1\u20448 inches. Edition of 5<\/p>\n

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