Ballet Unveiled: Sculpting Strength and Vulnerability

There’s a unique beauty in the world of ballet—an art form where strength and fragility coexist in perfect harmony. It’s this duality that lies at the heart of my new exhibition, Ballet Unveiled: Sculpting Strength and Vulnerability, a collection of over 20 sculptures inspired by the finest talents of The Royal Ballet.

Open from 23rd May to 1st June at Tomasso, 67 Jermyn Street, London, this free exhibition invites viewers to explore the profound connection between physicality and emotion that defines ballet.

Ballet Unveiled Exhibition Flyer

The Inspiration Behind the Sculptures

My artistic journey has always centred on celebrating the human form and I’ve long been captivated by the power of athletic figures - much of my early work was inspired by classical Greek and Roman sculpture, depictions of the Gods and Goddesses that I grew up with in Albania. However, my fascination with ballet was born in 2021, when I was commissioned to create a sculpture of Rudolf Nureyev, one of the greatest male ballet dancers of all time. Working alongside Matthew Ball, Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, whose input helped me to create this over-life-sized statue, opened my eyes to ballet’s intricate gestures and postures—each one an expression of elegance and complexity.

Subsequent photoshoots with other Royal Ballet dancers deepened my appreciation and I began to notice the diversity of dancers, challenging the idea of singular body type or background. Contrary to misconceptions, ballet embraces individuality in body types and backgrounds, a narrative I aimed to capture in my work. Through sculpture, I wanted to celebrate the distinctive qualities each dancer brings to the stage—their artistry, grace, and humanity.

Exploring Strength and Vulnerability

Ballet dancers exhibit exceptional strength, forged through relentless training and performance schedules. Yet, this same physicality is prone to vulnerability, as injuries can abruptly end their careers—a reality poignantly explored in Steven McRae’s documentary Dancing Back to the Light. The way in which I've left the surface of the sculptures almost unfinished, with holes, dents and imperfections, suggests a story of wear and resilience, as if reflecting the physical and emotional challenges the dancer has faced. This raw, unpolished quality contrasts with the meticulously sculpted musculature, symbolizing both strength and fragility.

In Ballet Unveiled, I wanted to go beyond traditional figurative representations so the collection features portraits and busts, as well as figures, that not only showcase the dancers’ physical forms but reveal the emotional depth in their expressions. The human body has an extraordinary capacity to express emotion, tell stories, and inspire. Ballet dancers embody this in every performance, and my sculptures aim to preserve those fleeting moments.

Featuring Photographs by Fashion & Portrait Photographer Rhys Frampton

The exhibition will also feature some of Rhys Frampton's photographs of Matthew Ball from Drowning Light, an immersive project reimagining the myth of Icarus exploring themes of ambition, vulnerability and descent.

Visit the Exhibition

I invite you to explore Ballet Unveiled: Sculpting Strength and Vulnerability. Whether you are a lover of ballet, a fan of figurative art, or simply curious about the stories behind these works, I hope this exhibition resonates with you.

Fundraising for The Royal Ballet

For any pieces of work sold, 5% of the purchase price will be donated to Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation (also known as Royal Ballet & Opera) a registered charity in England and Wales (number 00480523)

Participating Royal Ballet dancers will also receive 10% of the purchase price for their role in the creating of the work.

Event Details:

• Dates: 23rd May – 1st June

• Times: Open daily from 10am – 6pm

• Location: Tomasso, 67 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6NY

• Admission: Free Entry