In the heart of Trentino, two monumental wooden sculptures stand as testaments to nature's resilience and human artistry: the Vaia Dragon at Lavarone and the Vaia Gryphon near Castello Tesino. Both creations by artist Marco Martalar are crafted from the remnants of trees felled by the devastating Vaia storm of 2018, symbolizing rebirth from destruction.
Perched on the Alpe Cimbra, the Vaia Dragon is a colossal figure measuring 16 meters in length and 7 meters in height, weighing approximately 6 tons. Constructed from charred wood, the dragon's form emerges from over 2,000 pieces of roots and timber, meticulously assembled to capture the creature's fierce majesty. This sculpture not only commemorates the original dragon, which was tragically destroyed, but also serves as a reminder of nature's power and the potential for renewal.
Situated on the border between Trentino and Veneto, the Vaia Gryphon stands 6 meters tall and stretches 9 meters in length. This mythical creature, combining the lion of San Marco and the Trentino eagle, symbolizes the union of the two regions. Crafted from approximately 2,000 pieces of wood sourced from local forests affected by the Vaia storm, the gryphon watches over the landscape as a guardian of both heritage and hope.
Photographing these sculptures under the starlit Trentino skies reveals a profound interplay between art and nature. In the stillness of the night, the Vaia Dragon and Gryphon take on an ethereal presence, their forms silhouetted against the celestial canvas. The charred textures of the dragon and the intricate assembly of the gryphon are accentuated by the soft glow of moonlight, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene. These nocturnal images invite viewers to reflect on the resilience embedded in these artworks and the landscapes they inhabit, offering a serene yet powerful narrative of rebirth and unity.
Through night photography, the Vaia Dragon and Gryphon are immortalized not just as sculptures, but as enduring symbols of nature's strength and the human spirit's capacity to create beauty from adversity.
