Virginie Gribouilli’s sculptures exist at the intersection of mythology and nature, where creatures from ancient lore seem to awaken in new, spectral forms. Her artistic approach merges skeletal anatomy with otherworldly embellishments, creating figures that appear both powerful and fragile, as if they belong to an extinct species from an alternate reality. Each piece is rich with symbolic elements, evoking thoughts of forgotten legends, untold histories, and the deep, primal connection between living beings and the unknown forces that shape existence. The presence of bones, horns, and intricate detailing lends an eerie elegance to her work, transforming ordinary animal forms into entities that seem to have transcended the limitations of time. These sculptures are not simply representations of life and decay; they embody transformation, evolution, and the continuous cycle of destruction and rebirth.
At the heart of Gribouilli’s creations is a profound reverence for the natural world. She sees animals as more than just physical beings — they are guardians of instinct, wisdom, and the raw, untamed essence of existence. This perspective is evident in her work, where creatures take on a near-spiritual presence, appearing as if they belong to an alternate mythology yet to be fully understood. By blending natural elements with dark surrealism, she crafts forms that challenge the way people perceive the relationship between reality and the fantastical. Her sculptures often depict animals as deities or spectral beings, their presence both commanding and enigmatic, suggesting a world where nature and the supernatural are inseparable.
Beyond their striking visual impact, these sculptures tell silent stories, prompting reflection on themes of metamorphosis and the mysteries that exist beyond human perception. The fusion of skeletal structures with symbolic adornments encourages contemplation about life’s impermanence and the ways in which myth and reality intertwine. Gribouilli’s work does not merely capture the essence of the creatures she sculpts—it reimagines them as part of a narrative that transcends human history, hinting at realms of existence where ancient energies continue to linger. Her sculptures are more than objects; they are embodiments of a mythology still waiting to be written, where the boundaries between past, present, and imagined futures dissolve into something deeply evocative.
More info: Website, Instagram.
