Invisible Sculpture

«The Suit of Emperor» is a classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen that tells the story of an emperor who is swindled by two weavers who promise to make him a suit of clothes that is so magnificent that it can only be seen by those who are fit for their positions or who are intelligent enough to appreciate the garments. In reality, the weavers are not making anything at all, but the emperor and his advisors are too afraid to admit that they cannot see the supposed clothing, so they go along with the ruse. Eventually, a child points out that the emperor is actually wearing nothing at all, and the truth is exposed.
The tale is often seen as a commentary on vanity, deception, and the dangers of blindly following authority figures. Similarly, the sale of an invisible sculpture in Italy for $18,000 can also be seen as a comment on the value that society places on art and the power of suggestion.
The invisible sculpture was created by Italian artist Salvatore Garau and is titled «Io Sono» («I Am»). Despite the fact that the sculpture is not physically present, the artist insists that it has an «energy» and a «presence» that can be felt by those who stand in its designated spot. The buyer of the sculpture was given a certificate of authenticity and a set of instructions for displaying the piece, which involve placing it in a space that is free from obstacles and distractions.
Like the emperor’s suit of clothes, the invisible sculpture challenges our perceptions of what is valuable and meaningful. It asks us to consider the role of imagination and belief in the creation and appreciation of art, and to question whether the value of a work of art lies in its physical form or in the ideas and emotions that it inspires.
In both cases, the story of «The Suit of Emperor» and the sale of an invisible sculpture, the power of suggestion and the willingness of people to be deceived are key factors. Whether we are being asked to see an imaginary suit of clothes or an invisible sculpture, we are being asked to suspend our disbelief and to accept that something that is not physically present can still have value and meaning. The tale and the artwork both challenge us to question our assumptions and to think more deeply about the nature of art and perception.