Art is a reflection of the world we live in. And the world we want to create. It evokes emotions and inspires change. 

Figurative sculptor Lorenzo Quinn, renowned for his iconic sculptures, believes creating art is not about finding it but knowing what he wants to create from the beginning. It is about a message he wants to convey, and he builds from there. In his opinion, even figurative art doesn’t “happen”. Instead, it needs a clear vision and planning before it is brought to life.

In conversation with Lorenzo Quinn, he shares his artistic journey, the inspiration behind his iconic sculptures, and the crucial role of art in society.

Image Credit: Lorenzo Quinn

IMPORTANCE OF ART IN SOCIETY

When asked about his creative process, Quinn explained that he always knows what he will create before starting his work. He says, “I always know what I’m going to create because all my sculptures start from a word, a title, or a working title. It depends on what message I want to transmit with the sculpture and the message I want to get through. The underlying message is the most important part of the artwork, and then the artwork accompanies the message.”

Also, he believes that no art should be large-scale to make an impact. “Size matters outdoors, but that doesn’t mean a large sculpture is more important or impactful than a smaller piece.” Small sculptures can greatly impact and be as important as larger ones, depending on the context. 

HIS ART, HIS INSPIRATION 

One of his notable sculptures, Together, features human hands coming together in love, peace, and empathy. While talking about why he chose hands as his subject, Quinn says, “Because we are human. My art is universal, and it has to be universally understood, and we all understand the universal language of gestures. It might sound cheeky or superficial, but I think we need to show more love to fight all the hate that is unfortunately arising.”

Image Credit: Lorenzo Quinn

Lorenzo Quinn is also a strong advocate for public art and believes it plays a vital role in our daily lives and surroundings. He says, “I think that as human beings we need and appreciate the beauty and that we are attracted to beauty, and art can lighten our days, and it can also spread very important messages in a way that in other forms you’re not able to.” Quinn believes that art can transmit messages in ways other forms cannot, and people often receive them better than messages from politicians. 

EVOLVING ART AND TECHNOLOGY

Regarding technology’s impact on art, Quinn believes it is essential to evolve and adapt to new techniques while staying true to oneself and the artwork’s message. He says, “It is essential to evolve and adapt, but as long as you are faithful to yourself and to your art, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with technology as long as my art follows the path that I have always followed which is that of transmitting these positive and unifying messages.” 

He is particularly excited about the metaverse and loves the idea of the metaverse because he believes, as an artist who is constantly struggling with gravity, he has problems discussing them with engineers and architects, especially with larger sculptures. He would not have such problems in the metaverse. He says, “I could really let my creativity run wild, and that’s something I appreciate.”

As for other contemporary artists, he admires Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and Mexican artist Maureen but mostly looks toward past classical artists for their technique and perfection. He also looks up to Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux and Lordan. 

Image Credit: Lorenzo Quinn

Throughout the years, Quinn has been proud that his work is understood and appreciated by people and his art is meaningful to them on an emotional level. 

He says, “A lot of my sculptures are not sold on the secondary market because the people who buy my works usually buy them because they mean something to them, and it is probably the last piece they will get rid of or sell in a moment of need. For me, to have achieved that is incredible. I am incredibly proud and honored by it.”

Lorenzo Quinn’s work was recently exhibited in Dubai in front of the DIFC Gate Building.