A Global Entry: Patrizia’s Atlas at Musée Marabini-Martac
- Patrizia Salles
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Standing as both a symbol of strength and burden, the mythological figure Atlas has long captured our imagination. In 2024, this legendary titan was reinterpreted by Patrizia into a large sculpture. Her striking rendition of Atlas has now found a home at the entrance of the Musée Marabini-Martac in Menton, France—greeting visitors with a bold fusion of mythology, modernity, and present-day significance.
In classical depictions, Atlas is shown stoically bearing the celestial sphere on his back. Patrizia’s version departs from this static image: here, Atlas is caught mid-strain atop a steel pillar, muscles tense, not only supporting the Earth—but actively keeping it from slipping “out of control.”
More than a monument, her sculpture transforms the ancient symbol into a commentary on today’s ecological crisis — a global entryway into dialogue, awareness, and change.
“My Atlas isn’t carrying the world any longer” says Patrizia. “He’s fighting to keep it upright. It’s about resilience, yes—but also about our col
lective responsibility. Scale plays a crucial role as well. The massive globe contrasts sharply with the small figure, emphasizing the overwhelming strain he bears. Even the steel beam carries symbolic weight—representing progress, industrialization, and the modern forces that both support and threaten our world.”
Atlas 2024 — Number 1 of 8
H 195 x w 65 x d 80 cm 76 x 32 x 26 in
Bronze and steel on Carrara marble base
Atlas 2024 is a series of eight original bronze statues available in two sizes: 195 cm or 6 feet tall; and 95 cm or just over 3 feet tall. More info can be found here, or feel free to contact Patrizia at contact@patriziasalles.com
Musée Marabini-Martac
Mentone, Côte d'AzurFrance
The Musée Marabini-Martac spans six floors, offering an immersive artistic journey through various eras, lifestyles, and movements with a strong emphasis on contemporary art. It showcases part of the private collection of Mauro Marabini and Liana Marabini-Martac featuring works by Rauschenberg, Banksy, Basquiat, Cocteau, and Salles to name a few. The museum also houses a diverse array of rare books, illustrated manuscripts, Roman glass, and Egyptian pottery. Situated in the iconic Palais des Ambassadeurs—designed by Gustave Eiffel—it can be found at 3 rue Partouneaux in Mentone, France. Open: Wednesday - Sunday 10-18
In the Studio and What's next?
It's All About the Water, Swirling Hot Color & Creating for Chokolashow 2025, Monaco |
About the Artist
Patrizia’s creativity is a direct reflection of her life, one of diversity — of location and culture — and of continued exploration. Along with nature a passion for history and archeology are evident in her art. Archaic ideals and superstitions that challenge modern perceptions of beauty, beliefs and biases — glances into our past as commentary for today.
Born in Bordeaux, France, Patrizia grew up in North Africa, Italy, Germany and the United States. Patrizia has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows in the United States: New York, Nebraska, Georgia and Texas; in the Caribbean and in Luxembourg, Italy, France and Spain. Her art can be found in private collections and museums internationally. You can see Patrizia’s full Biography and CV here.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
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