“The Body as a Landscape,” an exhibition by world-famous Mexican sculptor Jorge Marin, opened at Ankara’s Cer Modern Art Center yesterday, offering visitors an artistic challenge for a reflection on human existence and a journey into inner worlds.

Marin’s striking bronze sculptures are hard to categorize. The essence is clearly classical, with a hint of Renaissance, but through Marin’s post-modern perspective, the figures take on a whole new role. “I use the human figure because I am not appealing to a single culture, but all people,” Marin told a group of reporters at the gallery ahead of the opening. “And these are not simple human figures. I am depicting the existence of people.”

Marin said what mattered about inspiration is not what he envisioned, but what each individual saw in his art.

“I wanted to portray intellectual and spiritual emotions,” Marin said. “What I do is not an imitation, but rather a reflection. People can interpret my work through their own spiritual thoughts, whether it’s good or bad. These works are a contemplation, a journey into a person’s inner world.”

The recurring theme of wings was present in Marin’s collection. “The wings on the figures could be interpreted as angel wings, or animal wings,” Marin said. “This is natural, because people can be angels, or animals.”

Renowned Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes, in his foreword to the book “The Flight” about Marin’s art, said angels appear in all belief systems – Jewish, Christian and Muslim – but concluded that the command guiding Marin’s creations “is not divine, but human, all too human.”

“The Body as a Landscape” has been previously shown in Lisbon, Barcelona, Madrid, Los Angeles and Mexico City. Marin’s work is on display in various international and permanent collections around the world. “We are happy to contribute to the arts in Ankara, and we hope for its continuation,” said Mexican Ambassador to Turkey Jaime Garcia Amaral, who contributed to bringing Marin’s exhibition to Turkey.

The exhibit will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays until Dec. 11.

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