Strange statues at the Central National Bank in Slovakia

[Mikkael]

I'm surprised why we can't find any information or pictures. I think it will be the same with these sculptures you posted.

Found this general description:

Human Figural Sculpture in Architecture​

Half-human figural sculptures, such as those depicting centaurs, have been used in architecture and decorative arts for centuries. Centaurs, in Greek mythology, are creatures composed of part human and part horse, often depicted with the torso of a human joined at the waist to the horse’s withers, where the horse’s neck would be.1

These sculptures can be found in various architectural contexts, from public spaces to private collections. For example, the Mustangs by Robert Glen, an impressive bronze sculpture depicting nine wild mustangs galloping through a fountain, was commissioned by the city of Las Colinas, Texas.6 While not half-human, this example shows how large-scale bronze sculptures can be integrated into architectural settings.

In addition to centaurs, other half-human figures like mermaids or sphinxes are also commonly used in architectural decoration. These sculptures often serve both decorative and symbolic purposes, reflecting cultural and mythological narratives.16

For contemporary artists, the human figure in sculpture can be abstracted or combined with other elements, creating unique and thought-provoking works that can be integrated into architectural designs. For instance, Marine de Soos creates bronze sculptures that offer an unprecedented perspective on general and emotional subjects, such as motherhood and memories of the past, which can inspire contemplation and discussion.5

These sculptures can enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings and public spaces while also adding layers of meaning and narrative to the architecture.

EDIT: Bolding text

 

[Mikkael]

Yes, I think from the windows of the Technical University you can see these sculptures too. Thank you for sharing another "remarkable work of art" in front of the police department.

One can't see them from TU because it's on the other side of building. Except if one has 4D eyes

 

[Z...]

It doesn't matter, it's interesting to see similar art in another cities too I wonder if people really like this kind of art.

Most people in Ljubljana ( that i talked to) absolutely hate it.
No wonder - I think main purpose of art should be to bring more beauty into this world.
Looking at these sculptures I felt as if someone was deliberately mocking divine creation. Which is really where the world is currently going with transhumanism.

 

[katarinak]

Yesterday I visited the National Bank of Slovakia and I tried to visit its gallery and ask there about these sculptures. At the reception the security guard asked me why I had come. I answered honestly that I am interested in the statues outside and would like to know more. They wouldn't let me go into the gallery, they said that no one there would know anything of it and that I should send the email to the information department. So I'll try it, but I think they won't know anything about them there either.

Have a nice day

 

[katarinak]

Found this general description:

Human Figural Sculpture in Architecture​

Half-human figural sculptures, such as those depicting centaurs, have been used in architecture and decorative arts for centuries. Centaurs, in Greek mythology, are creatures composed of part human and part horse, often depicted with the torso of a human joined at the waist to the horse’s withers, where the horse’s neck would be.1

These sculptures can be found in various architectural contexts, from public spaces to private collections. For example, the Mustangs by Robert Glen, an impressive bronze sculpture depicting nine wild mustangs galloping through a fountain, was commissioned by the city of Las Colinas, Texas.6 While not half-human, this example shows how large-scale bronze sculptures can be integrated into architectural settings.

In addition to centaurs, other half-human figures like mermaids or sphinxes are also commonly used in architectural decoration. These sculptures often serve both decorative and symbolic purposes, reflecting cultural and mythological narratives.16

Yes, that's nicely written. Why do authors choose the "negative" creatures from mythology and not the "positive" ones? Does the author just want to shock, or does he also bring certain symbols into his artwork? If so, what symbols might be in such negative creatures from mythology?

 

[karo]

When searching for those sculptures you presented, I've found this info
Statues of Vojtech Farkaš in the atrium of the National Bank | Events | Visit Bratislava

And when looking at the photo I think the guy may be an author, I'm going to check him out. The gallery has opening hours, check out the link :)

Edit: idk, on some pictures of the author with his art I can see sculptures made with similar materials to ones from those two bank statues, on other it is only bronze statues of zodiac signs and I'm not so sure anymore that he is the author :)

 

[katarinak]

I received answer from Municipal Institute for the Protection of Historical Monuments in Bratislava that these statues were designed by the Free Art studio at that time (It doesn't exist anymore). The sculptures were made in 1994 and they are the work of two sculptors - Juraj Čutek and Rastislav Trizma.

This picture I found between his artwork on his website:


I don't understand why they chose mythological female creatures with claws instead of feet as their subject on the main slovak bank, but I feel there's no need to investigate further at the moment.

Thank you all very much for your inspiring thoughts and comments

 

[Mikkael]

Yesterday I visited the National Bank of Slovakia and I tried to visit its gallery and ask there about these sculptures. At the reception the security guard asked me why I had come. I answered honestly that I am interested in the statues outside and would like to know more. They wouldn't let me go into the gallery, they said that no one there would know anything of it and that I should send the email to the information department. So I'll try it, but I think they won't know anything about them there either.

Yeah probably you won't find much, but it's easy to send an email and maybe you'll learn something, name of the author or whatever. You know this kind of figurative art is common in architecture and I personally don't see what got you so caught up on this. On the other hand I can't discount a possibility you'll find something interesting if you'll keep going, though my guess would be you'll find some interesting trivia around that project. So yeah keep digging, and try the bibliotheca as was suggested.

Edit: I just read you latest post seeing you are leave it be. Btw, my classmate from school is established sculptor in Bratislava so If I see him by chance I'd ask him, since now we know the authors.

 

[Mikkael]

Yes, that's nicely written. Why do authors choose the "negative" creatures from mythology and not the "positive" ones? Does the author just want to shock, or does he also bring certain symbols into his artwork? If so, what symbols might be in such negative creatures from mythology?

My guess the 'negative" has value to be used in art, can remind us of something, but I thought you might find the answers to those questions, gosh no blame right.

 

[axj]

The sculptures were made in 1994 and they are the work of two sculptors - Juraj Čutek and Rastislav Trizma.

The main sculptor seems to be into mythology and things like that:

https://cutek.sk/work

You could even try to contact him on his website and ask what those statues represent.

The contact information of the other one:
https://www.vsvu.sk/sk/o-nas/kontakt/zamestnanci/rastislav-trizma/

 

[JGeropoulas]

Why does the statue have only 1 eye?

The first thing that comes to mind is reference to the All-Seeing Eye associated with the Illuminati.

I don't understand why they chose mythological female creatures with claws instead of feet

Claws are a perfect symbol of the foundation/roots of the banking industry, which is based on debt promotion ("The debtor is slave to the lender.") Beasts have claws ("no one was able to buy or sell unless they took the mark of the Beast.")

 

[katarinak]

The first thing that comes to mind is reference to the All-Seeing Eye associated with the Illuminati.

great, thank you very much for both your comments, I hadn't thought of this connection at all

 

[katarinak]

You could even try to contact him on his website and ask what those statues represent.

Yes, I've been looking at their art work and contacts as well. I was thinking it would be a good idea to contact them.

However, at the moment, the thought of whether this is a good idea is also beating inside of me. I was thinking that if information of these statues can't be found on the internet or via AI, there is probably a reason somewhere in the past. It is possible that in the past similar questions arose as we have today. I don't know, I have no idea and for that reason it would be good to know the truth.

On the other hand, if similar questions have been asked in the past and caused heated arguments, Is it possible to find out the truth? In the same way, even if the authors created their works with good intentions, I'm not sure if it's a good idea then.

At the moment I feel indecisive and don't know what is the right thing to do. I need to wait and let it sit for a while. Certainly, if I find out new information or it comes to me, I'll be happy to share it here.

Have a nice weekend to all