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BABBLE

$60,000.00
sold out

Red Persian Travertine

42"h x 13"w x 16"d, 2008

Artist Statement

This sculpture is based on the ancient story of the Tower of Babel. The people of Shinar, all speaking one language, were well organized and determined to build a tower that would reach to the heavens. God was not pleased by this hubris and act of defiance. He caused these people to speak many languages so they could no longer communicate and then scattered them around the earth.The red Persian travertine from which the sculpture is carved was quarried from the exact same area where this legend took place.

The title is a play on words symbolizing the confusion of tongues. The piece is also meant to be a larger commentary on the hubris and lack of communication in modern society. I love the theme of hubris leading to eventual downfall and this is the story of Babble. In a larger sense, the theme of communication is timeless and lack of it leads to so many problems in our modern world. The people building the Tower were not able to communicate and that is why the tower fell. It’s a metaphor for what happens every day - in relationships, in business, in politics, and with world leaders.

— Doug Thielscher

SOLD

Red Persian Travertine

42"h x 13"w x 16"d, 2008

Artist Statement

This sculpture is based on the ancient story of the Tower of Babel. The people of Shinar, all speaking one language, were well organized and determined to build a tower that would reach to the heavens. God was not pleased by this hubris and act of defiance. He caused these people to speak many languages so they could no longer communicate and then scattered them around the earth.The red Persian travertine from which the sculpture is carved was quarried from the exact same area where this legend took place.

The title is a play on words symbolizing the confusion of tongues. The piece is also meant to be a larger commentary on the hubris and lack of communication in modern society. I love the theme of hubris leading to eventual downfall and this is the story of Babble. In a larger sense, the theme of communication is timeless and lack of it leads to so many problems in our modern world. The people building the Tower were not able to communicate and that is why the tower fell. It’s a metaphor for what happens every day - in relationships, in business, in politics, and with world leaders.

— Doug Thielscher

Red Persian Travertine

42"h x 13"w x 16"d, 2008

Artist Statement

This sculpture is based on the ancient story of the Tower of Babel. The people of Shinar, all speaking one language, were well organized and determined to build a tower that would reach to the heavens. God was not pleased by this hubris and act of defiance. He caused these people to speak many languages so they could no longer communicate and then scattered them around the earth.The red Persian travertine from which the sculpture is carved was quarried from the exact same area where this legend took place.

The title is a play on words symbolizing the confusion of tongues. The piece is also meant to be a larger commentary on the hubris and lack of communication in modern society. I love the theme of hubris leading to eventual downfall and this is the story of Babble. In a larger sense, the theme of communication is timeless and lack of it leads to so many problems in our modern world. The people building the Tower were not able to communicate and that is why the tower fell. It’s a metaphor for what happens every day - in relationships, in business, in politics, and with world leaders.

— Doug Thielscher

 

In "BABBLE," sculptor Douglas Thielscher invites us on a thought-provoking journey that transcends time and space. This captivating sculpture draws inspiration from the age-old tale of the Tower of Babel, a narrative rich in lessons about the consequences of human hubris and the complexities of communication. Within its intricate form, "BABBLE" encapsulates the essence of linguistic chaos and the universal theme of the breakdown in understanding. The biblical narrative behind the artwork serves as a profound cautionary tale, reminding us of the delicate balance required for progress—one that transcends language and culture, reaching into the heart of our shared humanity.

This sculpture stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to convey profound messages and provoke thought, transcending time and linguistic boundaries to connect us all.

Thielscher's choice of red Persian travertine, sourced from the region where this legend unfolded, connects the artwork to its historical roots, underscoring the enduring importance of cultural and geographic context in the interpretation of art. The title, "BABBLE," ingeniously plays upon the word itself, encapsulating the essence of linguistic chaos within a single word and inviting viewers to contemplate the intricacies of communication.

As we stand before "BABBLE," we are compelled to reflect on the biblical admonition against unchecked human pride and ambition, resonating deeply with the complexities of the modern world. In a society marked by rapid technological advancement and interconnectedness, Thielscher's sculpture advocates for a balanced approach to progress—one that embraces humility, ethical responsibility, and an appreciation for the diversity of voices as we navigate the complexities of our age. 

With this work, Douglas Thielscher invites us to explore the enduring relevance of ancient tales, encouraging us to consider how the lessons of the past can illuminate our path forward in an ever-evolving world. "BABBLE" is not merely a sculpture; it is a conduit for reflection, conversation, and the celebration of the human experience.