Rhea Marmentini

​ARTIST STATEMENT
“ I am constantly searching for forms that may have existed long before us and still hold their meaning far
into the future — timeless shapes capable of transcending cultures and eras. Forms that, when eroded with
time, are still strong enough to carry concepts to future civilizations.”

​RHEA MARMENTINI is a European sculptor whose work draws from the ancient power of stone and the poetic act of transformation. Through her practice, she creates powerful, symbolic forms that transcend the material and invite the viewer into worlds both mythical and introspective.  Her sculptures are a dialogue between raw matter and timeless essence — a pursuit of balance, presence, and connection with the natural world.
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She describes herself as a traveler through time. In her Opus series, she channels the geology of each stone, revealing deep memory and monumental calm. In her Beasts and Winged Creatures, she evokes beings that live between parallel realities — hybrid forms that straddle the boundary between the human, the animal, and the divine.

THEMES & INTENT
Marmentini’s work explores how humanity can re-connect with nature in meaningful and responsible ways. Using ancient materials and direct carving techniques, she repositions the viewer as an essential part of the ecosystem.

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​EDUCATION

1993–1996: Szeti Szakkozepiskola Art School, Pécs (Hungary)

1996–2000: Apprentice to Pierre Szekely, Paris – named his spiritual heir

1994–2000: Artist residencies in Japan, Hungary, and France

SELECTED PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY

1995: International Wood Sculpture Symposium, Pécs (Hungary)

1998: Monumental Sculpture Symposium, GRANITS BRETONS, Ploumanac’h (France)

2004–2014: Founder & Director of El Dragón de la Calderona, a stone sculpture space and museum in a reclaimed quarry (Valencia, Spain)

2017–2020: Multiple international sculpture symposiums in Ukraine, Hungary, and Italy


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"The Flying Gaulkees"

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
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1995: 1st Prize, Bizse Janos Sculpture Competition, Hungary

1997: 1st Prize, International Sculpture Contest, Salon d’Automne, Paron (France)

2014: Special Mention for Stone Sculpture, North Sculpture Company, Brooklyn, NY (USA)

​SELECTED PUBLIC WORKS
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1998: Trans for Mans – Opus 9, pink granite sculpture, Port of Perros-Guirec (France)

2004–2014: El Dragón de la Calderona, sculptural architecture, Sierra Calderona Natural Park (Spain)

2019: Union, stone sculpture for Tiszaháti Historical Museum (Ukraine)

2020: Uovo Alato, Circolo Culturale Il Faro (Italy)
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2021: Time, monumental stone sculpture, Bobritsa Sculpture Village (Ukraine)

"Moonhopper"

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

1998: Les Opus de Marmentini, CCMY, Toucy (France)

1999: Aktion RHEAktion, SSOCAPI Art Space, Paris (France)

2011: Rencontre Picto-littéraire with Pascal Sulcs, Rivoli 59, Paris (France)

2019: Vulkán Sculpture Park, Lake Balaton, Zalahalap (Hungary)

2023: 3-28 Nov. ALADOS, Malvin Gallery, Madrid

2024 1-21 Jan, METAVERSO, Fresco Marina, Sotogrande

GROUP SHOWS

1994: Castle Museum, Pécsvárad (Hungary)

1996: Tölgyfa Gallery, Budapest

1998: Mairie de Perros-Guirec, Brittany (France)

2007: Fundación Bancaja, Valencia (Spain)

2014: Magen Gallery, New York (USA)

2021: Marbella Design Week (Spain)

2022: LA CAJA BLANCA, Malaga

2024: Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn NY (USA)
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2025: Bank Art Gallery, Newburgh NY (USA)

"Catwoman"

ALONGSIDE HER SCULPTURAL WORK, Marmentini explores similar themes through painting — an extension of the forms, forces, and symbols she brings to life in stone.  Each bas-relief is 17 x 22 inches

"On Vibrate"

"Bidibull"

"Chase"

"Tying Yang Birds"

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For inquiries & purchases, please contact Bank Art Gallery.

​E: [email protected]

P: (845) 728-3944

Hours: Friday -  4pm to 8pm, Saturday - 12pm to 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm

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