Artist Tomáš Libertíny enlists the help of thousands of bees to create stunning sculptures from natural wax.
The Slovakia-born artist, currently based in the Netherlands, provides professional beekeepers with a structure that the insects colonize over several months. One of his works, titled “Eternity,” was based on a 3D model of the original portrait of Nefertiti and took two years to complete.
In an interview with Colossal, Libertíny explained the process of creating his sculptures: “I have to guide the growth of the structure like you do with a bonsai, slowly directing the workflow to the places you consider ideal,” he said.
“The final result is always a surprise, because it’s not something you can fully predict like with traditional handcrafted techniques. Sometimes I need to observe the finished piece for a few days to fully appreciate it,” he revealed.
According to the artist, beeswax is an almost contradictory material, as it is both ephemeral and durable. Libertíny says his sculptures have the potential to remain intact for thousands of years if properly maintained.
For those interested in exploring more of Libertíny’s work, the artist frequently shares his creations on his Instagram page.
Photos: Instagram @tomaslibertiny. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
