Rex Kalehoff, Lion Rex (ART & OBJECTS 2025)

Photos:

David Angeletti

Country

Luxembourg

‘Lion-Rex’ is a crazy-faced mythical lion mask that portrays the spirit, fierceness, and majesty of “the king of the beasts”. Created in an emotional response to combat feelings of cultural anxiety, isolation, and depression I’ve experienced while living abroad, this mask depicts a personal transformation in overcoming these challenges, towards greater strength, adaptability, and resilience. There is also a whimsical quality that reminds me to remain playful, curious, and forward-looking. Hand-carved in solid sapele, dark natural red tones define the lion’s beastly features - snarling teeth and a protruding tongue, a banded muzzle, wild eyes and bushy brows, perked ears, and a layered mane. On the reverse side of the mask, the glowing 24-karat gold interior is revealed, representing my transformative journey through inner determination and self-reflection. The grotesque face emerging from the smooth gilt surface of the interior is a humbling reminder of the continued presence of adversity, even within times of positive growth and illumination. Instead of being worn, the oversized mask is hung from the ceiling by ropes, inviting investigation and access from all sides. The image of the crazy-faced lion was initially inspired by “De Roude Leiw”, a beloved heraldic symbol of Luxembourg since medieval times, depicting a red lion standing on its hind legs, with a golden crown and tongue sticking out. This powerful reference to Luxembourg’s heritage and identity is further acknowledgement of the consequential years I have lived in this particular country.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.