A star has landed on the grass, imaginary connecting heaven and earth, matter and spirit. Marlon de Azambuja has already made several star sculptures and this is the latest addition to the Nucleos series, Latin and Portuguese for nucleus. Brazilian poet Helena Kolody wrote: ‘Pintou estrelas no muro, e teve o céu ao alcance das mãos.’ In other words, ‘He painted stars on the wall and had the sky at his fingertips.’

For each occasion, the artist chooses a different star. Stars have important meanings in religion, mysticism and astrology. Various stars and other celestial bodies also play a role in the Bible. Think of the Star of Bethlehem. The monastics of the Holy Triangle suggested to the artist to depict the Stella Maris. Stella Maris, Latin for Star of the Sea, is an honorary title of the Virgin Mary. In the Middle Ages, Mary as Stella Maris was symbolically linked to the Pole Star as a guide and foothold. This Polaris is always bright and high in the sky. Mary as a beacon for sailors and a beacon for humans.

Humanity has always used celestial bodies to orientate itself in the world, both geographically and poetically. ‘Fathoming yourself is one of life’s great journeys,’ he says. This “compass” on the grass points north and south and symbolises finding direction in your life.