Brancusi’s sculptures are poetic marvels. Currently, 120 of his works are exquisitely displayed at the Centre Pompidou. This exhibition delves into his favorite themes, his passion for animals, and his innovative use of materials, providing comprehensive insights into one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. A must-see!
The Art of Sculpting Materials
One of Brancusi’s most renowned works is "Sleeping Muse". Beyond its hypnotic beauty, this sculpture exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of the Romanian artist. He polished and smoothed the bronze so thoroughly that no trace of his hand is visible, resulting in a mirror-like surface that reflects light brilliantly. This masterful technique, which he applied to raw materials like marble, stone, and wood, is showcased in a precise reconstruction of his workshop.
For Brancusi, material was paramount: “It’s such a shame to ruin a beautiful material by carving little holes for eyes. And my material is so beautiful […] it shines like pure gold”, he remarked. The lack of detail also allowed for free interpretation, as seen in his famous "Princess X". Virgin or phallus? The choice is yours!
A Zoo in a Museum!
In addition to his deep appreciation for Greek mythology, Brancusi had a passion for animals. Visitors are greeted by giant roosters among the initial sculptures. In the 1930s and 1940s, Brancusi began creating series focused on animals, marking his shift towards oblique and horizontal forms.
His favorite creatures included birds, which symbolized freedom for him. The Centre Pompidou provides a special setting for these pieces. In front of the museum’s large windows, Brancusi’s whimsical "Birds in Space" appear to soar above the Parisian rooftops. In his abstract style, Brancusi created animals as he saw them: a scaleless fish swims among seal forms created from curved cylinders, and a wooden crocodile. The viewer is encouraged to interpret these forms, identifying turtles and swans along the way.
Until July 1st.
© Centre Pompidou - Constantin Brancusi, Self-portrait with the dog Polaire in the studio, Brancusi Estate, All rights reserved (Adagp), Georges Meguerditchian, Centre Pompidou, Mnam−Cci/Dist. Rmn-Gp - Constantin Brancusi, The Sleeping Muse, Brancusi Estate, All rights reserved (Adagp), Centre Pompidou, MNAM−CCI/Adam Rzepka/Dist. RMN-GP. Constantin Brancusi, Princess X, Brancusi Estate, All rights reserved (Adagp), Georges Meguerditchian, Centre Pompidou, Mnam−Cci/Dist. Rmn-Gp - Centre Pompidou - Constantin Brancusi, Danaïde, Brancusi Estate, All rights reserved, Adagp, Paris 2024, Centre Pompidou, Mnam-Cci/Adam Rzepka/Dist. Rmn-Gp.
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