Un eterno abbraccio (An Eternal Embrace)

The circle — symbol of harmony, of the cosmic and transcendent sky in relation to the earth. An extended point, it shares the same symbolic properties: perfection, homogeneity, absence of division and distinction. 

Once again, the circle, the cycle — symbol of the Universe, the whole, the totality: universus, from unus (one) and versus (turned, enveloped). Mohamed plays with the stone, guiding the Grigio Carnico where and how he chooses, wrapping the hieratic circle in bandages of ancient wisdom, meant to protect and preserve. Thus the ancient Egyptians, in the sign of the Ouroboros, pursued eternity and sought to ward off the human fear of finitude. 

Yet Mohamed’s perfect circle does not remain closed. It breaks open, transforms, assumes a dual form. From its opening may scatter as many frightened cells as there are human beings — for every life is entropy, and the circularity of thought only a beautiful tale. 

It will be dualities, differences, embracing and recognising one another endlessly, that will restore the perfection of the whole. For the Universe does not foresee separation — not even between immanence and transcendence. Once hierarchies are abolished, fears shared and overcome, an eternal embrace will become the protective spirit of our becoming. 

— Bianca Minigutti

Mohamed Bouaziz was born in Gabès, Tunisia, and currently lives and works in El Mourouj, in the Governorate of Ben Arous. 

After studying visual arts with a specialisation in sculpture, he graduated in 2008 from the Higher Institute of Fine Arts of Tunisia, where in 2009 he also completed a Master’s degree in photography. In 2010, he further refined his expertise in marble and stone sculpture at a French artistic studio. 

Since 2008, he has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions, and since 2013 he has participated in International Sculpture Symposia in Tunisia, Egypt and China.