Star Wars Heroes Rey and Kylo Ren Immortalized in Carrara Marble Busts at Rome Gallery

Since December 16, 2019, the Galleria Sala Blu in Rome has exhibited two marble busts of Kylo Ren and Rey, sculpted by Paolo Noto and Fabrizio Lorenzani. The busts, carved from Carrara marble, celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which premiered in Italian theaters on December 18, 2019. The sculptures draw inspiration from the busts of Italian and foreign patriots on Rome's Gianicolo hill, linking the fictional characters to historical heroes of the Risorgimento. Noto and Lorenzani studied the personalities of Rey and Kylo Ren, emphasizing the contrast between good and evil and their lineage from Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. The artists view the project as a challenge and an opportunity to immortalize contemporary heroes in a material traditionally used by masters like Michelangelo and Bernini. The busts are displayed at the gallery, and the artists expressed openness to them becoming collectible items for Star Wars fans.