Helena Bacardí Human Experience – The Contradictions of the Human Experience

Helena Bacardí human experience explores the layers of heritage, memory, and becoming through her sculpture Contraposto (1980; 2025). While living and training in Madrid, Helena was introduced to the Capa Foundry by sculptor Leandro Mbomio, a dear friend from Equatorial Guinea, whose ideas on the mythopoetic nature of art left a lasting mark on her.

It was there, in long conversations with fellow artists and the generous guidance of Maestro Capa and his wife, that Helena began to explore the deeper layers of art as a process of discovery — one that connects heritage, memory, and becoming.

Revisiting Contraposto

Years later, upon returning to the foundry to rework Contraposto, she understood that the sculpture could not be complete without an anchoring, a recognition of origin.

Contradictions in Human Experience

“Contraposto speaks to the contradictions of the human experience,” she says. “Our minds reach for refinement even as we remain tied to the earth. Perhaps understanding our roots does not hold us back — but helps us grow.”

The sculpture reflects dualities: refinement vs. grounding, heritage vs. growth, emotion vs. reason.