Alain Godon French, b. 1964
Further images
One edition is part of the collection of the Musée Matisse in France, following Godon’s tribute exhibition “Matisse – Godon – New York – Tahiti, l’architecture du rêve” at the museum.
Face Lift is a bronze sculpture depicting the iconic head of the Statue of Liberty enveloped in an intricate structure of scaffolding. Godon reimagines this universal symbol of freedom as a work “under renovation,” suspended between vulnerability and renewal. The green patina enhances the sense of age and permanence, while the delicate scaffolding introduces a striking contrast, light, almost fragile, suggesting transformation, care, and the ongoing reconstruction of ideals.
The interplay between the b ronze and the fine linear scaffolds creates a poetic tension: liberty as both solid and evolving, timeless yet perpetually rebuilt by the societies it represents. Godon’s characteristic blend of humor, architectural precision, and conceptual depth is fully present, offering a contemporary reflection on cultural icons and the necessity of reexamining what they stand for.
This edition has been widely celebrated; one of the eight numbered bronzes is held by the Musée Matisse, following the major exhibition honoring the legacy of Henri Matisse and highlighting Godon’s creative dialogue with the master.This is a bronze sculpture by French artist Alain Godon, most likely titled "Facelift." It depicts the head of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, but instead of showing the statue as a completed monument, the artwork portrays the head in the process of being built or renovated.
Surrounding the statue's head is a scaffolding structure, with ladders and beams intricately placed around the statue, as if workers were in the midst of constructing or repairing it. The detailed scaffolding creates a sense of both fragility and transformation, offering a unique perspective on an iconic symbol.
Alain Godon is known for his playful approach to famous landmarks, often blending reality with imagination. This work reflects that tendency by combining an image of something monumental with the ordinary, everyday aspects of construction, hinting at themes of progress, renewal, and reinvention. The bronze medium, with its weathered patina, further connects the sculpture to the enduring and historic nature of monuments like the Statue of Liberty.
