Monument in Bronze of Teddy Cobena 2015

Curator: This is Teddy Cobeña’s 2015 bronze sculpture, "Monument in Bronze of Teddy Cobena." It depicts a figure, seemingly caught mid-laugh. What do you make of it? Editor: It’s unsettlingly joyful. The scale, I imagine, is quite monumental, which amplifies that almost manic grin. The material—bronze—gives it a sense of permanence that contrasts with the fleeting expression. There is so much going on in that grin; how did it achieve that character and persona? Curator: The surface is roughly textured, almost unfinished in places. This intentional crudeness adds to the emotional intensity. It is that, along with that incredible grin, that speaks volumes, isn't it? What do you think it symbolizes? Editor: Well, on a formal level, the unfinished quality challenges the traditional notions of portraiture—of capturing a likeness perfectly. There are those random accents that grab attention, that make you stop and examine her. It could symbolize the imperfection and fragility of the human experience. Maybe it says that her character is greater than all these shortcomings. Curator: Yes, the fragility, or vulnerability... Cobeña perhaps wanted to represent not only the visible features, but that inner truth too. And I notice how the smile almost obscures the eyes. She wants the viewer to accept her happiness, whatever it might be. There are definitely lots of levels here to consider... I keep wondering how the figure would have evolved. Editor: It’s a powerful and thought-provoking work. Cobeña certainly plays with expectations of beauty and representation in a fascinating way. Thank you for that perspective! Curator: Absolutely! This kind of directness and rawness are quite engaging, I find. I could walk around her all day!