Born 1957 | Lives and works in Ortisei, Italy
Willy Verginer is known for his evocative figurative works that fuse traditional woodcarving with bold acrylic hues. His sculptures often portray serene, childlike figures. The sculptures seem to alternate between the recognisable reality and the abstract, almost absurd world, interacting with symbolic objects or natural elements. They’re inviting reflec-tion on themes such as environmental balance, transformation, and the uncertainty of the future.
Verginer presents the aesthetically integral creating process – a woodcarving skill displayed with such captivating manner it seems entirely natural – combined with an almost provocative way the pieces illustrate life. As the figures are partly dipped in paint, thus leaving one part bare while the other is covered, Verginer creates a dualistic vision and a change in perception. He is exploring humanity and truth while echoing the mysticism and idea.
The sculptural materiality reveals situations that may be familiar yet surprise the spectator. Contemplating the beau-ty of the tradition of the craft although with a motif which brings out the surreal, Verginer is able to play, touch and provoke. The moment freezes, reaches us and stays with us.
Verginer’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at the 54th Venice Biennale, the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków, and in solo exhibitions across Europe, the US, and Asia.
