Copia 

Joseph Pace created "Copia", a sculpture measuring 37 by 48 cm that presents a captivating profile silhouette. The entire structure shimmers with a surface densely populated by pearls, beads, and metallic ornaments, evoking a sense of opulence and textural complexity. The profile's contours are built up with a meticulous layering of materials, where pearls of varying sizes dominate. These are interspersed with gold chains and medallions that trace the figure’s outline, adding a layer of lavishness. The deliberate amassing of these disparate elements might be seen as a commentary on consumerism. The sculpture challenges traditional notions of value and beauty by incorporating everyday, mass-produced items into a form that mimics classical portraiture. The sculpture does not seek to replicate a likeness but instead re-imagines the concept of representation through the lens of material abundance and excess. This unique assembly destabilizes our expectations, prompting reflection on the ever-evolving definitions of art and culture.