Genesis Of Peru 

This sculpture, "Genesis of Peru," was created by Jiménez Deredia, and carved in marble, a material prized since antiquity for its beauty, durability, and ability to be polished to a high sheen. The creation of this work begins in the quarry, where large blocks of marble are extracted, often using heavy machinery. Deredia would have then selected a block with the desired color and veining, and set to work carving the form using a combination of hand tools and power tools, slowly revealing the sculpture within. The process requires immense physical strength and precision, as well as a deep understanding of the material's properties. The smooth, rounded forms suggest a sense of growth and organic development, as the figure emerges from the stone. Marble has a cultural significance, often associated with classical sculpture and ideals of beauty, yet here it evokes something more primal, and connects high art with traditions of craft. So next time you see marble, think about the labor and skill involved in its transformation, and how that making influences its meaning.