TOMAS LIBERTINY

Tomáš Gabzdil Libertíny invites live honeybees to collaborate on creation of his sculptures. Mastering the craft since 2006, like a conductor of an orchestra, the artist guides the building process of bee colonies to construct complex but faithful representations. The beeswax bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is celebrating the founder of Republic of Türkiye and it’s 100 years. Known for key role in the establishment of modern state of Türkiye, he brought into motion unprecedented and radical changes to the post-Ottoman society such as the right to free speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, women suffrage, inheritance to women and separation of church and state. His strong believe in power of education led to introduction of Arabic script.

The bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was made by a colony of 60.000 bees during a period of several months. The worker bees were offered a framework engineered and sculpted by the artist to construct their honeycomb cells around and expand their hive. The slow but steady building process was regularly observed and guided by Libertiny himself. The final result is an impressive bust. Beeswax is a sensitive and fragile material. However, beeswax is also one of the most durable natural/organic materials known to mankind. It will last thousands of years without deterioration when properly housed and taken care of. It is similar with great ideas. They are powerful but fragile.

The sculpture was made in Rotterdam in collaboration with Lakeside Beefarm, project initiated by Lakeside Capital Partners and the artist.