Unbearable Lightness is an amazing art installation from Dutch designer Tom Gabzdil which features 40,000 bees and a honeycomb sculpture of a martyred Jesus Christ. Industrious bees created a honeycomb skin over the laser sintered framework, before filling each cell with honey they produce. Next, the bees worked hard to remove the honey from the cells only to return it to their own beehive, cleaning the figure and restoring the wax cells to their original state. Gabzdil made the honeycomb a red-orange color to symbolize the cross. The Dutch designer regularly works with bees and explores the manipulation of living creatures that are seemingly unaware of the constraints imposed by humans on their existence. The viewer is able to recognize this element of manipulation of the bees while ignorant to the invisible constraints and measures imposed on our own existence.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a MemberExplore member benefits