This contemporary reinterpretation of José de Mora’s Virgin of Sorrow reflects the artist’s long-standing admiration for the emotional intensity captured in the original sculpture. Drawn to the way de Mora conveys profound sorrow through subtle facial expression alone, the artist found personal resonance in the work during a period of emotional upheaval—an experience that became the conceptual foundation for this piece.

Rendered in a neutral grey clay, the figure is intended to represent women of all ethnicities, while the blue denim veil both acknowledges traditional iconography and introduces a distinctly modern material. The choice of blue not only evokes Marian symbolism but also serves as a visual expression of hope.

In contrast to the passive suffering often associated with depictions of the Virgin, this work positions her as an active, contemplative figure—one who embodies resilience and quiet strength. With closed eyes and a composed demeanour, she becomes a contemporary emblem of resistance and introspection, echoing the cultural currents of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp.