Maria Rubinke

TIVOLI BENCH

Copenhagen, Denmark

Danish sculptor Maria Rubinke’s I found myself within a forest dark is a circular bench that merges narrative, materiality, and emotion. At first glance, it appears constructed from brittle, weathered wood—cracked, splintered, and held together by entwined roots. Yet the entire structure is cast in bronze: strong, enduring, and precise in detail.

The piece comprises over 500 individually cast components, brought together with technical mastery. We had the privilege of casting this work at Alfa Arte Foundry, where the complexity of its form demanded both sculptural sensitivity and exacting craftsmanship.

Rubinke’s bench explores dualities—vulnerability and strength, surface and depth, decay and resilience—offering visitors a place for contemplation within its mythic circle.

Originally installed at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, as part of the Chart Art Fair, this work continues Rubinke’s exploration of darkness, memory, and transformation.