N°14 - Nuit magique (2009) Sculpture by Henri Iglesis

Henri Iglesis is a contemporary Catalan artist renowned for his innovative approach to sculpture. Iglesis embarked on a remarkable artistic journey that would lead him to develop a unique sculpting technique known as "blown sheet metal." His work is characterized by a whimsical and dreamlike quality, reflecting his boundless imagination and playful sense of humor.

In 2008, a pivotal moment occurred in Henri Iglesis' artistic career when he stumbled upon the groundbreaking idea that would define his work. While creating a sculpture featuring the likeness of his own son, he conceived the notion of injecting air into a previously welded piece of sheet metal. This innovative process was unlike anything seen before in the world of sculpture. Iglesis diligently refined and honed this technique, ultimately leading to its official registration. The term "blown sheet metal" itself is now protected by copyright, solidifying his status as a true pioneer in the art world.

Iglesis' creations possess a distinctive lightness, both in terms of their physical appearance and their emotional impact. His sculptures seamlessly blend the weightiness of patinated metal with the ethereal quality of air. Yet, it's not just the physical lightness that defines his work; it's the lightness of a dreamlike, colorful, and carefree world that he brings to life through his art.

One of Henri Iglesis' most captivating works is "Petit Bonhomme," a sculpture that pays homage to the traditional Alsatian manele, evoking fond memories of childhood. However, Iglesis' interpretation is far from conventional. Instead of using paper or gingerbread, he employs deformed sheet metal to craft his mischievous figures. These Little Men, frozen in metal yet shaped by the breath of air, exude an aura of childlike curiosity and energy.

Henri Iglesis infuses his art with a sense of humor and playfulness that is truly infectious. Whether rendered in chrome or lacquered finishes, with glossy, matte, or satin varnishes, his sculptures come to life in vibrant hues: red, yellow, sky blue, Klein blue, pink, chocolate, orange, purple, black, or white. These colors are reminiscent of the carefree optimism of childhood, invoking a sense of joy and nostalgia.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1964
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists