KALLIOPE

Large Assemblage Sculpture - Found Objects & Mixed Media - 2022

Mixed-media artwork of a metallic female figure with robotic limbs and detailed accessories, set against a circular background featuring a full moon and celestial elements.
Mixed-media artwork of a metallic female figure with robotic limbs and detailed accessories, set against a circular background featuring a full moon and celestial elements.

Overview

A pinball machine decorated with a metal sculpture of a lion's face and mane, with gears and gold-colored elements, situated inside a building with textured walls and moon-themed window in the background.

KALLIOPE is a one-of-a-kind assemblage sculpture by Emmanuel Marti that transforms reclaimed objects into a layered composition of memory, symbolism, and imagination. Rich with intricate details and hidden discoveries, the piece invites viewers to slow down and uncover new narratives with every look.

Details

Year, 2022

Size, Large

Materials, Childhood Toys & Trophies, Found Objects, Metal Components, Wood, Integrated LED Lighting

Dimensions, 80 × 40 × 14 in.

The Story Behind KALLIOPE

A tribute to the artist's wife and muse, Kelly Marti—the one and only

Named after Calliope, the Greek muse of eloquence and epic poetry, the sculpture celebrates Kelly's remarkable journey, her many talents, and her achievements as a member of her high school's speech team.

Long-forgotten trophies, once tucked away in a garage box, have been transformed into Kalliope's knees, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and personal growth. Throughout the sculpture, many of Kelly's tattoos are thoughtfully represented through symbolic details, weaving together layers of family stories and shared experiences that make the work profoundly personal.

With her commanding robotic form and graceful feminine curves, Kalliope stands as a modern goddess—strong, beautiful, and eloquent. Creating her challenged the artist to translate softness and elegance into industrial materials and assemblage techniques, resulting in a sculpture that radiates both strength and light.

A Closer Look

Every assemblage reveals new stories through its textures, materials, and hidden details.

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A close-up of an ornate metallic religious or ceremonial artifact, featuring the face of a lion, a lion with a human face, a lion with a human face, a lion with a human face, and a lion with a human face, all intricately designed and connected with chains and other decorative elements.
A sculpture of a humanoid figure or animal made of various mechanical parts and decorated with gold and silver elements, with a fish at the top and additional decorative details.
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A large sculpture or art piece resembling a human figure with a face, made from metal parts, wires, and decorative elements. The figure is set against a backdrop featuring a depiction of the moon, with a border of purple crystals or gemstones, and adorned with various metallic and gem-like embellishments.
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A collection of toy cars and toy figures scattered on a worktable covered with plastic, with various tools and materials around.
An art piece featuring a galaxy-themed design with purple, black, and white colors, decorated with rocks arranged along the center, mimicking a cosmic scene with stars and nebulae.