About this artwork
This sculpture is based on two moulds made from the artist’s body. The solid form of the lower figure and the horizontal divisions in the lead casing emphasise its weight. Its closed form, like a mummified body, evokes feelings of imprisonment. In contrast, the upper half, with legs and arms outstretched, is free. While the upper half concerns our spiritual or mental state, the lower half represents our physical state: these states are connected yet divided. In this way, the sculpture reflects Gormley’s interest in meditation and Buddhism.
