THE RAOUL WALLENBERG WORLD WIDE CAMPAIGN AGAINST RACISM


In creating the Raoul Wallenberg portrait Paul Lancz had two sources at his disposal:

  1. A few photos all showing different aspects of R.W.
  2. In Budapest 50yrs. ago, Paul Lancz had managed to catch a glimpse of Wallenberg on two occasions.

This memory indelibly etched in his mind,proved more useful than the photos. R.W. at 33, was 8 years Paul Lancz’s senior and in the young artist’s eyes, under those circumstances, R.W. emerged as an other-worldly phenomenon.

The embodiment of courage, determination, altruism and nobility of spirit… this is the image Paul lancz carried of R.W. in his heart and mind for fifty years. It is this R.W. that has been recently cast in bronze and it is this R.W. that Paul lancz intends on conveying to the observer.

History repeats itself. The biblical "David and Goliath" parallels today’ Raoul Wallenberg. He is the quintessential contemporary "David" he confronted the Nazi juggernaut single-handedly and by dint of the sheer force of his humanitarian convictions prevailed VICTORIOUS. The discerning eye will perceive similar motifs when comparing Michaelangelo’s "David " sculpture, with that of Paul lancz’s Wallenberg. May this memorial serve as an infallible symbol of magnanimity and philanthropy the world over.

Portrait sculpting is the most complex of all the creative arts. To bring life and spirit into a dead material, to authentically reflect the subject’s inner sanctum, is a monumental, if not impossible task. In relative global terms, historically speaking, there have been very few good and better portraits created, perfection virtually non- existent. MichaelAngelo, the most accomplished sculptor of all time didn’t create a portrait bust. There is an adage, " the eyes are the mirror of the soul". I would take it further to say the expressive characteristics of the physiognomy evince the inner spirit and world of the subject. The well-composed, well-defined bust is the single most effective vehicle to express everything pertaining to one’s life. The spectator can readily perceive through the subject’s expression his or her ethos and raison d’être. Let’s take for example the various Raoul Wallenberg memorials throughout the world. They depict a male figure, at varying ages, fully attired. The spectator’ s attention is diverted form the primary rationale behind portrait sculpture., namely, the interpretation of character through physiognomy. The larger than life-sized Montreal erected Raoul Wallenberg memorial portrays him in the midst of the era during which his heroic feats transpired. One is left rapt in concentration, focusing entirely on the dignified posture, the unflinching expression, the steely resolve of the eyes, the indomitable courage and unbounded selflessness of his physiognomy. It poignantly evokes those trying times of Budapest in 1944, which is precisely the intent of the bust-to edify by enabling one to vicariously live through his experiences. This is what confers meaning to the adage " History is our best teacher ".

Florida International University’s erection of this 18 times life-sized bronze bust would sit on a 40"x50" granite column.

RAOUL WALLENBERG - BUDAPEST 1944

Selflessness, Courage, Conviction and Nobility of Spirit
These attributes enabled Raoul Wallenberg to so valiantly confront one of history’s most destructive forces, thereby saving the lives of tens of thousands.

As an educational tool, this memorial will be beyond comparison. It will instill in today’s youth those highly redeeming qualities that Raoul Wallenberg embodied. It will serve as a beacon of hope that his principles (or raison d’être ) will prevail, thereby ennobling mankind.Florida International University will be the point of origin of this message, the fallout of which would extend to cultural and educational institutions world-wide. The adage, " History is our best teacher " will once again be reaffirmed. This campaign requires the establishment of a committee to oversee the logistics entailed. The circulation of posters of varying sizes and miniature replicas of the monument would cover most of the expenses.