Roland Perathoner's sculpture “Große Muschel” (which means “large shell”) blends nature, history and cosmic order into a poetic visual language. The skilled sculptor from Wolkenstein/Selva di Val Gardena – who has refined his artistic signature during his time in the USA, Switzerland, Germany and Austria – has created a piece of art that goes far beyond its tangible form. Perathoner's sculpture invites you to slow down, observe, marvel and linger. It narrates of prehistoric seas, of time and transformation – and of our delicate relationship with nature: a force that shapes us, surrounds us and to which we are inextricably connected.
The spiral form of the “Large Shell” draws inspiration from the Dolomites, with their striking rock formations shaped by fossil deposits and risen from ancient ocean beds. Perathoner's design is based on the mathematical principles of the golden ratio – a symbol of harmony, balance and the connection between heaven and earth. Yet the “Large Shell” is not merely an artistic object, it is also a silent monition. Through his work, Perathoner seeks to raise awareness of an issue that affects us all: water. Once abundant and covering much of the earth, it is now in short supply in many regions. Extreme weather events, droughts and heavy rainfall raise questions for which there are still no definite answers. The sculpture thus symbolises the fragile relationship between humanity and the environment – and the pressing need to restore this vital balance.