I PALADINI by Emmanuel Babled

“I Paladini” by Emmanuel Babled is a striking collection that draws inspiration from the commanding and timeless busts of granite or marble effigies, typically depicting writers, inventors, or philosophers. These sculptures, immovable and silent, evoke a sense of stillness and wisdom, often reflecting the wisdom of the past and making the chaos of the present world seem insignificant in comparison. Babled’s glass reinterpretation of these figures captures the same essence of quiet strength and profound wisdom, yet imbues them with a new sense of life through the medium of glass. He likens these glass figures to “paladins,” akin to the gladiators and theologians of ancient times, embodying the persistence of tradition through modern craftsmanship. The color palettes used in these works, drawn from the vast and varied selection of Venini glass, are uniquely composed for each piece, blending harmoniously with the diverse souls they represent. Through this work, Babled encapsulates the essence of tradition and timeless wisdom while celebrating the mastery of contemporary glassmaking.