Beverly Hills-based jeweler, designer, and tastemaker Martin Katz is pleased to announce a collaboration with Italian artist and sculptor Andrea Roggi to unveil the Energy of Life sculpture in Venice. The installation will be on display to the public from December 21-January 8th, 2023 in the enchanting setting of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice with an opening reception on the 21st with a piano concert by Letizia Michielon. Organized by the Parco della Creatività Cultural Association and the Archivio Vittorio Cini Foundation in collaboration with the Paolo Rizzi Cultural Association, SKAL Venezia and the Chamber of Commerce of Venice, and Rovigo, the exhibition features a bronze sculpture created by Andrea Roggi and a jeweled sphere designed by Martin Katz to represent the energy source in an original work of art. The curator of the Venice event will be Rina Dal Canton, past president of the Paolo Rizzi Cultural Association.
The exhibition represents a meeting of two masters; a Hollywood jeweler from California and a sculptor from Tuscany who met and shared a similar philosophy and idea to collaborate to create the Energy of Life sculpture. Two artists – one work. A new form of art linked to humanity and a shared mission encapsulated in a work of art that initially debuted in Florence, Italy from November 3-6, 2023 at the Palazzo Vecchio.
Artfully designed in relief to represent Mother Earth, the sphere is the embodiment of the Energy source for the Tree of Life sculpture. Made in 18K white gold, the jeweled sphere was handcrafted in the workshop Atelier of Martin Katz and features more than 2000 gemstones with over 8000 setting prongs holding shades of blue sapphires, paraiba tourmalines and Tsavorite garnets and white diamonds.
“It was exciting to embark on this collaboration with such a talented artist and sculptor as Andrea Roggi. When we first discussed engaging in a collaboration of artists from two vastly different mediums, I was inspired by Andrea’s spirit and vision for this project and his offer to allow me full artistic autonomy with the vision for the sphere. While seemingly simple is its concept of Mother Earth, it was incredibly challenging to articulate the land masses, oceans and waterways to properly express the energy of life source. To partner with Andrea Roggi on this exciting work marks a milestone in the melding of sculptural art and high jewelry. The finished result is a one-of-a-kind bejeweled sculpture that uniquely represents both of our respective arts and well as a great friendship. I have my wife Kelly to thank for bringing us together.” says Martin Katz.
“I am deeply grateful to be able to share my enthusiasm for the realization of this great artwork alongside Martin Katz. Working with a prestigious artist such as Martin has been an enriching experience, both artistically and humanly. The encounter with Martin’s art has cast a penetrating light into the very essence of the Energy of Life, transforming this idea into a complete work of art capable of capturing every facet of the human soul, its complexity and the sense of responsibility towards our Earth. I hope this collaboration will elevate and engage our minds, provoking intimate reflections and creating connections, for this is the true power of art.” says Andrea Roggi.
