Federico Alibrio - Abisso Terrestre

“Earthly Abyss” – Federico Alibrio
Description of the Work:
This magnificent three-dimensional sculpture by Federico Alibrio combines ceramic craftsmanship with an in-depth conceptual exploration of materials and their symbolism. The work depicts a stylized barn owl, solemnly perched on a wooden pedestal.
The raptor’s body is a masterpiece of color and material transitions, evoking the primordial meeting of earth and sea:
The Head and Upper Body (Earth): Defined by a matte, earthy olive-green hue that calls to mind foliage, rock, and ancestral soil. The heart-shaped face, with its deep, contemplative eye sockets, embodies calm and rootedness.
The Body and Wings (Sea): Moving downward, the ceramic gradually shifts into a deep, oceanic, glossy blue, touched by reflections that recall the movement of waves and the vastness of the nocturnal depths.
The Dialogue with Wood:
The barn owl rests on a wooden column bearing the authentic marks of time and the natural activity of larvae. This support is not merely a pedestal, but an integral part of the sculptural narrative: the holes and erosion celebrate the transience of life and the impermanence of organic matter.
(N.B. Although the wood retains its naturally weathered appearance, it has been carefully treated against woodworm and finished with wax, ensuring a safe, stable, and exceptionally high-quality product that will last over time.)
Meaning and Symbolism:
The work is a hymn to the balance of opposites. The seamless transition from earthy green to marine blue symbolizes the unity of the natural elements, while the contrast between glazed ceramic (a symbol of eternity and brilliance) and wood eroded by time (a symbol of fragility and memory) turns the sculpture into a poetic reflection on the cycle of life, change, and nature’s silent protection.

This one-of-a-kind, original terracotta piece was modeled in clay and fired, then cold-patinated. The sculpture rests on a small fir-wood base that becomes part of the work itself.
The work will be shipped with careful packaging and its certificate of authenticity.

The Italian artist Federico Alibrio, born in 1995, is always seeking inspiration and new experiences to help him grow.

He graduated with a degree in Sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts of Catania in 2021 and works in sculpture and painting. He has taken part in and continues to participate in exhibitions and symposia of great cultural significance, demonstrating commitment and seriousness in his sculptural practice.

Reality itself is the greatest source of inspiration. His passions are wild animals (with a particular concern for endangered species) and trees. His goal is to showcase the beauty of nature.