Bruno Walpoth makes intricate human figures from wood, and it's always a treat to watch him create new life out of nothing. For each sculpture, the Italian artist begins by meeting and dealing with models. After these initial steps are completed, the bodies, lines and forms of the mysteriously attractive men and women take shape from the block of wood by means of his hands. They gaze on with indifference, glance around in suspicion, or carry blank stares. I know I've said this probably a hundred times before, but I'm continually amazed at how an artist can create something that's both unsettling and captivating.
To be honest, the first thing I noticed in these portraits wasn’t the texture, the lighting, or the color palette. It was her. Who is she? Is she real, or is she imaginary? Does she have an Instagram? I was hooked right away. I mean, I’m a guy. So yeah, I felt something at once. If you caught yourself staring a little longer too, don’t worry. You’re not alone. In most of these Roberto Martin Sing pieces, she looks straight at you. Her gaze isn't aggressive, but it isn't shy either. It's more like she's saying, “Hi. I know you’re looking. It’s fine.” In one painting, the young woman is rising from the water with full nymph energy. Men have been falling for this stuff since ancient Greece. She’s the goddess in the forest or the woman in the lake. There’s soft light, glowing skin, and zero real-world problems. She looks very feminine without being flashy. Inviting without trying too hard. And you can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking. The work moves between contempora...
Comments
Post a Comment