Stone comes alive: The sculptures of Angelo Boninchi at the Old Rectory in Balzers

From 11 to 14 July, our sculptor Angelo Boninchi exhibited his works at the Old Rectory in Balzers, creating an intense dialogue between contemporary sculpture and historical heritage.

Five sculptures in serpentine and Sassalbo marble

On the second floor of the historic building, five sculptures carved entirely by hand in serpentine and Sassalbo marble were presented. The works blended harmoniously with the spaces of the Rectory, enhancing the encounter between matter, light and architectural memory.

In various corners of the room, symbolic sculptures were placed, including a piece from the Knots series, where the stone appears surprisingly fluid, almost malleable, despite its solid nature.

The Heart of the Alps: a message of peace

At the center of the exhibition stood a large “Heart of the Alps” carved in Sassalbo marble by hand. The work conveyed a powerful symbolic message, a hymn to peace in a period marked by armed conflicts.

From a philosophical perspective, the sculpture was interpreted as an act of symbolic resistance. The heart, universal emblem of love and life, stood in contrast to the barrel of a rifle, represented by a metal element integrated into the work, evoking the contrast between creation and destruction.

The Old Rectory in Balzers: from Baroque residence to cultural hub

The Rectory in Balzers confirmed its role as a cultural center of the region. Originally a Baroque clerical residence and having survived dramatic events such as the fire of 1795 and numerous historical changes, the building has reinvented itself while preserving its enduring charm.

Today its spaces host temporary exhibitions, cultural projects, educational activities and special events, actively contributing to the enhancement of local artistic heritage.

A successful dialogue between art and history

The exhibition, also enriched by paintings by Federico Lopes, demonstrated how contemporary art can establish an authentic dialogue with places steeped in history. The works on display transformed the Rectory into a space for reflection and exchange, uniting memory and beauty in an intense and meaningful experience for visitors.