Silhouette 21 (2024) Sculpture by Gilles Arnould

Gilles Arnould is a contemporary French artist known for his distinctive approach to sculpture. His works are characterized by their striking immobility and hieratic presence, presenting an enigmatic array of forms such as cyclops, guides, watchmen, and silhouettes. Arnould's sculptures are notable for their complex rhythms and streaks, created through a nuanced interplay of burnt blacks, grays, and whites.

Arnould employs a variety of techniques to shape his material, which he cuts with a chainsaw and then further refines through engraving, brushing, and polishing. The materials he uses—birch, ash, oak, chestnut—begin as living substances and transform into symbolic forms that embody nature's essence. His process involves deep notches and graphic traces that range from singular to universal, creating a unique surface texture that is either raw or polished, smooth or grainy.

The artist's creations are a testament to a vibrant creativity, reflecting the turbulence of matter. Many of his sculptures feature viewing windows or doors, offering glimpses into distant or abstract realms. These pieces, often poised in a delicate balance between sky and earth, present a blend of refined and rough forms that resonate with their surroundings. The linear efficiency of curves and the sobriety of volumes in Arnould's work find a formal harmony, evolving through their own history and partially surrendering to the transformative darkness of fire, ultimately becoming ethereal, immaterial envelopes.

• Nationality:
• Date of birth : 1953
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists