17 eerily fascinating sculptures from around the world
Sculptures tug at our emotional core. Subtle details, exquisite finishing touches, a sense of movement or raw emotions are all ways in which sculptors blend their creative vision with their incredible artistic skills.
Here are 17 jaw-dropping sculptures that are both disturbing and yet technically brilliant.
1. The Bleeding Head Sand Sculpture
This intriguing and slightly stomach-churning sand sculpture is by Guy Olivier Deveau. You'll find the same sculpture on beaches around the world, as Deveau often exhibits it at sand festivals.
2. The Death Kiss in Barcelona, Spain
This sculpture marks the grave of a young man who died during the 30's. It's unsigned, but numerous sculptors have claimed to be the artist. Rumors also claim that it inspired Ingmar Bergman to make his classic 'The Seventh Seal' movie.
3. The Blue Mustang in Denver, USA
Nicknamed Blucipher, this 'horse from Hell' is a really scary work of art, not least because this stallion caused the death of its creator, Luis Jiménez! Its head fell off when it was being transported and cut open a major artery in Jiménez's leg...
4. Verity in Ilfracombe, UK
This is a 20 meter high sculpture of a woman by the famous British artist Damien Hirst that towers over the Bristol Channel. On one side, 'Verity' looks like a normal, pregnant women. On the other, however, she's been dissected, with her muscles and unborn baby exposed to the world.
5. Victor's Way Park, Co. Wicklow in Ireland
A spiritual visit to India inspired Victor Langheld to share his visions once back in Ireland. He opened a park and dotted it with sculptures designed to make people think about their lives and what purpose they serve.
6. Crawling Babies in Prague, the Czech Republic
David Cerny created these giant babies with faceless heads that inch their way around the capital's television tower and Kampa Park.
7. The Coat of Peace in Salzburg, Austria
This creepy cloaked sculpture greets visitors who enter the southern door of Salzburg Cathedral. It represents the commander who murdered Don Juan and has 'twins' in several cities across Europe.
8. Upside down statue of Good King Wenceslas riding a dead horse in Prague, the Czech Republic
Another David Cerny sculpture, this parodies a monument of St. Wenceslas in central Prague. This work was at first exhibited next to the monument, but was later moved to a shopping mall in Lucerne.
9. Hanging Boy in Ghent, Belgium
No one knows who created this morbid sculpture of a little boy hanging from a wall in the city of Ghent.
10. Statues in the Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa, Italy
This 19th Century cemetery saw its first funeral in 1851. Since then it's become famous for its eclectic collection of statues and sculptures.
11. La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires in Argentina
This mid-18th Century cemetery is the most famous in Argentina and the final resting place of numerous, well-known Argentinians. The statues that grace the cemetery and tombs are impressive works of art.
12. Man Hanging Out in Prague, the Czech Republic
This David Cerny hanging statue is dedicated to the 'father of modern-day psychiatry', Sigmund Freud. It was so well-received that it's since toured Chicago and London, but funnily enough most people have likened it to Vladimir Lenin rather than Freud!
13. Statues in Highgate Cemetery in London, UK
This cemetery is a famous London landmark that was once the supposed hangout of vampires during the 1800's. Some people say it's also the final resting place of Jack the Ripper....
14. Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France
Oscar Wilde, Frederic Chopin and Honore de Balzac are just some of the famous people buried in the Père-Lachaise or East Cemetery. Its mesmerizingly beautiful statues have meant it's become a popular Parisian tourist attraction.
15. The Saint Barthelemy Statue in Milan, Italy
From a distance this statue looks 'normal', but as you approach, you'll see that St.Barthelemy's cloak is actually formed from his own skin.
16. The Monumental Cemetery in Milan, Italy
This cemetery was reserved for rich members of society whose families then erected impressive statues on the tombs. Today it's a museum that's open to the public - a place where visitors can see how artistic styles have changed over the centuries.
17. The Pascualita in Chihuahua, Mexico
In 1930, this strange 'bride' suddenly appeared in a shop window in Chihuahua. Local legend claimed it was the embalmed corpse of the shop owner's daughter, who passed away shortly after she was married. Experts were eventually called in and found that it was nothing more than a plastic and wax mannequin, but that hasn't stopped tongues from wagging!
By Straker Julia
Writer
Passionate about writing, I write articles on the subjects that I love. Creativity and Animals themes are my favorites!
