The Unexpected Marble Sculptures of Fabio Viale

Italian artist Fabio Viale has spent decades proving that marble is far less traditional than we think. Working exclusively with the material since the age of 16, he approaches it not as a monument to permanence, but as a surface to test, stretch and destabilize. His sculptures carry the weight of classical tradition, then slip away from it, turning stone into something that looks soft, synthetic or even temporary.

A clear example of his subversive approach is his sculptural interpretation of the Mona Lisa. The familiar icon is carved in marble yet made to look like lightweight styrofoam, undermining expectations of weight and value. In other works, classical hands and torsos are wrapped in intricate tattoo motifs, shifting Renaissance ideals into unmistakably contemporary bodies. Fabio also carves everyday objects, from industrial tires to paper planes, with enough precision to trick the eye.

You can discover more of Fabio Viale’s incredible creations on his website and Instagram.

More art on the grid Fabio Viale’s website