Alexander Savvas transforms the intangible into the visceral with his groundbreaking wind-activated sculptures.
The Anemoi sculpture series is a breathtaking intersection of art, nature, and mythology—an audible and optical manifestation of the air. Created by South African artist Alexander Savvas, these interactive sculptures capture the wind's kinetic energy, transforming invisible currents into hauntingly beautiful songs as air passes through their intricately layered pipes.
The Vision
Conceived as a global installation, the complete Anemoi series will feature four unique sculptures positioned at the cardinal compass points worldwide. Each sculpture embodies one of the four directional winds from Greek mythology:
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Boreas in the North
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Eurus in the East
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Notos in the South
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Zephyrus in the West
A Sensory Experience
What makes Anemoi genuinely revolutionary is its interactive nature. Each sculpture can be rotated on its axis, allowing visitors to capture the moment's airstream and transform it into unique harmonics. As participants engage with the work, they forge a conscious connection with one of nature's most intangible forces.
"The kinetic interaction between participants and Anemoi provides a plane of engagement that incorporates both the art piece and one of nature's most intangible forces," explains Savvas. "It serves as a reminder that we are both on the earth and of the earth."
Duality in Design
The sculptures present fascinating contrasts in both concept and execution:
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Material vs. Void: When one experiences the sculptures, one notices the material that exists as much as the hollow spaces that fall inside them.
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Natural vs. Synthetic: Born from forged elements, representing our detachment from the natural world, yet providing a voice for nature.
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Timeless vs. Futuristic: Concentric spirals give the piece a spiritual presence, while stainless steel materials create a futuristic aesthetic.
From certain angles, the sculpture virtually disappears—light and airy like a mercurial spirit. From others, the reflective, multi-faceted surface mirrors a warped version of its surroundings, appearing like liquid metal moving through the air.
Technical Mastery
The unique maquette currently on display at The Melrose Gallery showcases Savvas' technical virtuosity:
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Materials: 316 stainless steel
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Dimensions: 765.9mm × 413mm × 1294.6mm (sculpture), 860mm × 430mm × 430mm (plinth)
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Weight: 350kg (sculpture), 175kg (plinth)
About the Artist
Alexander Savvas was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1989. His artistic journey began with photography and film documentation of Southern Africa's diverse natural landscapes, developing a keen understanding of light, composition, and narrative. After studying photography and animation, Savvas travelled across Central America, Asia, and Europe, focusing on capturing people and cultures. Finding traditional media limited in its interactive capacity, he turned to sculpture and installation to create immersive, sensorial experiences that transform viewers into participants. Savvas' work explores the paradox of humanity viewing itself as both part of and apart from nature. He achieves organic effects in industrial applications through materials like concrete, metal, and resin, challenging our understanding of the relationship between the natural and artificial worlds.
For more information or to arrange a viewing of Anemoi, visit The Melrose Gallery.