Sphere Within Sphere – Sfera con Sfera
The Sphere Within Sphere, also known as Sfera con Sfera, represents a captivating series of sculptures meticulously crafted by the renowned Italian sculptor, Arnaldo Pomodoro. These exceptional artworks feature colossal metal spheres characterized by their cracked exteriors, which unveil a mesmerizing and intricate interior containing yet another cracked sphere. This remarkable creation originally graced the Vatican Church during the 1960s, marking its inception.
The allure of Pomodoro’s work transcends the confines of a single location. Over time, the artist extended his creative reach, producing these awe-inspiring sculptures for a multitude of esteemed organizations around the globe. As a result, these captivating masterpieces can be admired in some of the world’s most prominent locations. Notable examples include their presence at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Trinity College in Dublin, The Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, USA, The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, and Tel Aviv University in Israel, among others. Pomodoro’s Sfera con Sfera series stands as a testament to his artistic prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the global art landscape.
Arnaldo Pomodoro’s “Sfera con Sfera” (Sphere Within Sphere) sculptures are a global phenomenon, with several versions installed in various prestigious locations worldwide. Here’s a comprehensive list of the known locations of these fascinating sculptures:
- Vatican Museums, Rome: An iconic installation in the Courtyard of the Pinecone.
- Palazzo della Farnesina, Rome: Another significant installation in Rome.
- Piazza della Libertà, Pesaro, Italy: A landmark installation in Pesaro.
- Trinity College Dublin, Ireland: A central feature on the college campus.
- United Nations Headquarters, New York City, USA: Symbolically significant, representing complexity and fragility.
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, USA: Adding to the museum’s diverse collection.
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C., USA: Part of the museum’s extensive outdoor exhibit.
- Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, USA: Adding an artistic dimension to the seminary.
- Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio, USA: Enhancing the museum’s outdoor space.
- de Young Museum, San Francisco, USA: A notable feature in the museum’s collection.
- American Enterprise Group Inc., National Headquarters, Des Moines, Iowa, USA: Adorning the headquarters of this organization.
- Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran, Iran: A significant installation in the museum’s garden.
- Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa, USA: Part of the art center’s outdoor display.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone, Japan: A striking feature in this outdoor museum.
- University of California, Berkeley, USA: Adding to the university’s artistic landscape.
- Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel: Enhancing the university’s aesthetic appeal.
Each of these sculptures carries Pomodoro’s signature style, depicting a larger sphere with a cracked surface revealing a complex interior with another cracked sphere. They represent the complexities and intricacies of the world and society, symbolizing a process of continual self-destruction and regeneration.
