Elena Engelsen's Animal Sculptures at Rome's Museo di Zoologia

The Museo di Zoologia di Roma hosts 'For the Love of Animals', a solo exhibition by Norwegian sculptor Elena Engelsen (born 1952, lives in Oslo). The show presents animal sculptures in varied attitudes—vulnerable, aggressive, sleeping—exploring biodiversity, climate change, and extinction risk. Engelsen, who studied at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Oslo and worked with a stonecutter in Amsterdam, draws inspiration from her rural upbringing and her father's wood carving. She admires Rembrandt Bugatti and spent time at ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo studying animal anatomy and behavior. Her process involves live models and tactile exploration of materials like clay and stone. The exhibition is organized into sections to intensify viewer experience. Engelsen sees sculpture as a permanent reminder, complementing science by offering an emotional interpretation of animals. She hopes her work fosters respect and dignity for animals.