Kiki Thompson's Samsara, created during her residency at the Verbier 3-D Foundation, stands as a profound meditation on the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Installed within the Sculpture Park, this work takes inspiration from both Buddhist concepts and the natural world surrounding Verbier, inviting visitors to contemplate the continuous flow of existence and its connection to the environment.

The title Samsara, referring to the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, reflects Thompson's exploration of the interconnectedness of life forms and the impact of human activity on the natural world. The work's materials and form evoke the fluidity of these cycles, embodying the transient nature of life and the constant regeneration that happens in both nature and human culture.

In the context of the Verbier Sculpture Park, Samsara speaks to the landscape's duality—its serene beauty juxtaposed with the ever-changing and sometimes destructive forces of nature. The alpine environment, with its seasons of growth and decay, mirrors the cycle Thompson represents in her installation. It calls attention to both the fragility and resilience of life, encouraging reflection on how we interact with our surroundings and the legacy we leave behind.

By situating Samsara in the open air of Verbier, Thompson invites an ongoing dialogue between her work, the environment, and the viewers, creating a space where the cycles of life can be witnessed and contemplated. The work not only captures the beauty of the present moment but also underscores the inevitability of change, urging visitors to consider their place within this endless loop and the broader ecological systems that sustain us all.

Samsara serves as both a visual and philosophical experience, reminding us of the constant ebb and flow of existence and the importance of mindfulness in the face of an ever-evolving world.

“Samsara is Sanskrit for Life Cycle or Flow. In creating this piece, I wanted to capture the essence of life and death in the mountains and the respect that they impress upon us. By framing the view, I was able to combine the grandeur of the mountains with the symbols imparted by the sculpture: mother and child, tree of life, a heart, and other images open to interpretation by the viewer.”