The Dancing Man
Designed and Handcrafted by Alex Soldier
Dancing Man is a one-of-a-kind collectible sculpture by Alex Soldier created in honor of the legendary Italian poet and screenwriter Tonino Guerra on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Blending fine art, storytelling, and master craftsmanship, this museum-quality sculpture celebrates the transformative power of creativity and the enduring spirit of artistic achievement.
A pioneer of textured metalwork and innovative jewelry design, Alex Soldier has spent decades pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship through proprietary tools, techniques, and surface finishes of his own invention. Dancing Man exemplifies this revolutionary artistic vision, transforming precious metals into a dynamic expression of movement, emotion, and imagination.
Inspired by the wooden mannequins traditionally used by artists to study the human form, the sculpture reimagines a familiar academic object as a living poetic figure. Composed of sixteen individually articulated components, Dancing Man possesses remarkable fluidity and movement, appearing suspended between reality and dream. Each element is meticulously handcrafted and finished by hand, creating a rich interplay of texture, light, and dimensionality.
The figure carries a banner inscribed with the Latin phrase “Per Aspera Ad Astra” — “Through Thorns to Stars” — a powerful symbol of perseverance, inspiration, and the pursuit of greatness. Through this poetic gesture, Alex Soldier honors Tonino Guerra’s extraordinary cultural legacy and his collaborations with some of the most influential filmmakers of the twentieth century, including Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Andrei Tarkovsky.
Executed in gold and silver atop a black onyx pedestal, the sculpture is further enhanced by amethyst, blue topaz, and iolite accents that bring color, depth, and luminosity to the composition. Monumental in scale and exceptional in craftsmanship, Dancing Man transcends decorative art to become a significant collectible sculpture for discerning collectors of contemporary art and design.
Entirely handcrafted in New York City, Dancing Man embodies Alex Soldier’s commitment to innovation, artistry, and the pursuit of beauty beyond convention.
Materials: Gold, Silver, Black Onyx, Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Iolite
Height: 558 mm / 22 inches
Handcrafted with love in New York City from responsibly sourced materials.
