A remarkable new bronze and polished aluminum sculpture titled 'Virtual Sister' has been installed in the gardens of the historic Carmel convent in Pamiers, France. The life-sized artwork depicts a Carmelite nun with arms wide open in adoration toward the sky, positioned to face the bell tower that dominates the former convent grounds.
The sculpture was installed on October 17, 2025, in the gardens of the former convent, which has been transformed into a contemporary art venue. Created by Montpellier-based artist TTY, the majestic bronze and polished aluminum piece represents a powerful fusion of spiritual heritage and modern artistic expression. The statue's positioning creates a striking visual dialogue between the contemporary artwork and the historic bell tower of the Carmel.
Sébastien Gonzalez, director of cultural affairs for the city of Pamiers, emphasized the historical significance of the location in his social media posts. 'The Carmel is a place steeped in history,' Gonzalez stated. 'Every stone, every pathway carries the memory of the Carmelites who lived there in silence and prayer. This memory imposes a responsibility: to find a way to honor the past while opening the place to a new direction, respectful but fruitful and free, where art extends the spiritual momentum.'
When questioned by Actu.fr about the cost of the sculpture, the cultural affairs department declined to provide specific financial details. Officials explained that they never publicly communicate the price of artworks or artistic productions, noting that artists often apply rates for public commissions that are much lower than their market value or real market worth. They expressed concern that releasing such information could undermine artists' activities, which rely primarily on private sales.
The cultural affairs department concluded by stating that the acquisition of the sculpture falls within the overall cultural budget approved by the municipal council, which is public information. The installation represents part of the ongoing transformation of the historic Carmel site into a space where contemporary art can coexist respectfully with the spiritual heritage of the former convent, creating a unique venue that bridges past and present.
