Born in Concarneau, France, Robert Laurent’s talent as a painter and sculptor was evident at a very early age. After discovering that he was color-blind, Laurent gave up painting to devote himself to sculpting. His Lamentation draws on a variety of sources, from classical styles and African art to the sleek design of Art Deco. This work was inspired by choreographer Martha Graham’s famous performance of the same title, which is a three-minute, universally compelling evocation of grief.