Helga Renders

Soraya looks without really seeking contact. There is something distant, almost indifferent in her gaze, as though her thoughts are elsewhere. She does not ask for attention, nor does she seem concerned by the viewer’s gaze.

Her pale, relatively smooth face contrasts with the much rougher form of her clothing. Traces of the modelling process remain visible, giving the bust a direct and tactile quality.

The name Soraya is of Persian origin and is associated with royalty. To me, the name suited her distinctive, somewhat distant presence.

While removing the sculpture from its mould, I injured my hand and some blood fell onto the work. That unexpected trace later inspired my choice of patina. I kept the face white and gave it a soft sheen with wax, while the rest of the sculpture was finished with pigments worked into wax.

In this way, something that happened by chance during the making process ultimately became part of the work.