Lladró's latest collection, Eternal Fluidity, showcases a particularly striking feature which ties the collection together. What seems like melted silver is displayed prominently on the Greek inspired pieces, serving as a visual representation of an ancient philosophy. Metallic silver is utilised to highlight this, as it captures the light differently and better suits the concept of fluidity.
"The only constant in life is change." - Heraclitus
This is the premise of which the Eternal Fluidity collection was based.
Eternal Fluidity possesses a particular piece that assertively establishes its presence, titled the Thinker Sculpture (pictured below). It is this astonishing piece that encapsulates the narrative of an ancient philosophy.
In his book ‘Fragments’, the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously concluded that everything in the universe is in a constant state of flux, with nothing remaining static or unchanging. He eloquently expressed the idea that ‘you cannot step twice into the same stream’, using the metaphor of a stream to illustrate the ever-changing nature of human life. This is evident because streams do not remain in a constant state; they are continuously shaped and influenced by various factors such as erosion, sedimentation, and fluctuating water levels, resulting in their constantly evolving nature. This philosophy encourages individuals to embrace change as a natural and integral part of life, rather than resisting or fearing it. Heraclitus’ philosophy deeply inspired the creation of the Eternal Fluidity collection, which ultimately utilises the feature of melted silver to symbolise the continuous flow of evolution and life.
Additionally, in Greek mythology, water, particularly in the form of streams and rivers held immense significance, symbolising the ever-changing nature of life. Streams, rivers, and bodies of water were seen as conduits of transitions. For instance, the Styx River, although a physical boundary, is also portrayed as a symbolic one between life and death, further supporting the notion that water was a channel of transition and transformation. The ever-flowing nature of water reflects the perpetual cycle of life, death and rebirth, emphasising the transient and unpredictable nature of existence within Greek mythology. Furthermore, in Greek culture, water was predominantly used for physical and spiritual purification. It was highly revered in religious ceremonies and rituals, often associated with gods and goddesses such as Poseidon, the god of the sea.
The Eternal Fluidity collection holds profound significance as it encapsulates the timeless philosophy of change and evolution, echoing the teachings of ancient thinkers like Heraclitus. The collection serves as a visual metaphor for the constant flux of life, encouraging its viewers to embrace transformation rather than resist it.
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