Working directly with wood and marble and without using moulds, Brancusi launched a radical new approach to sculpture that sought to purify human forms into abstract shapes
A rare retrospective of artist Constantin Brancusi is at the Pompidou Centre until July 1.
Image: Rafa Rivas / AFP©
A rare retrospective of artist Constantin Brancusi, who revolutionised sculpture in the early 20th century but whose works can be extremely tricky to transport, opens in Paris on Wednesday.
Born in Romania in 1876, Brancusi arrived in Paris at age 28 and soon after joined the workshop of another historic sculptor, Auguste Rodin.
"Nothing grows in the shadow of large trees," Brancusi reportedly said after spending just three months with the creator of "The Kiss" and "The Thinker".
Working directly with wood and marble, and without using moulds, Brancusi launched a radical new approach to sculpture that sought to purify human forms into abstract shapes.
"It is such a pity to have to spoil a beautiful material by hollowing out little holes for eyes, hair, ears," he said.