JAMBES ENLACÉES

Jambes Enlacées engages deeply with themes of identity and form, while also integrating historical references and elements of art history into its narrative. Juxtaposed with Antonio Canova’s portrayal of Pauline Borghese as Venus, the piece resonates with Canova’s classical artistry. Bourgeois cast the legs of Jerry Gorovoy, her long-time assistant, transforming the male figure into the muse and reversing traditional gender roles.

Rendered in pink marble, Jambes Enlacées blends traditional elements with modern reinterpretations. The carnal quality of the material subverts its purity, introducing a sensual dimension that redefines classical expressions.

The cramping of the toe evokes the psychoanalytic concept of the ‘body language,’ in which physical tension is a metaphor for psychic life. The creation process, marked by precise chiseling and detailed polishing under the artist’s direction, merges old and new sculptural techniques, subtly highlighting the artist’s mastery while prompting a reevaluation of sculptural norms among its audiences.

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