Colorful Pixelated Wood Sculptures Reveal Complexities of the Human Spirit

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“On My Way” (front)

Artist Gil Bruvel doesn't confine himself to one method of producing creative work. Whether painting, sculpting, or creating functional art, Bruvel's creative energy flows through each of his pieces. For his Bending the Lines series, the Australian-born, French-raised artist uses simple materials to express complex metaphors.

These pixelated sculptures, made from sticks of painted wood, were conceived to show “topographical depth.” On one side, a face emerges; on the other, an explosion of abstract color bursts forth. This duality is a key component of the series, as viewers are encouraged to explore every crevice and shadow of the sculptures. Upon close examination, it becomes clear that Bruvel's dynamic use of wood mirrors the dynamism and complexity of the human spirit.

“We are made up of complex systems that influence our everyday lives. The neural connectivity that allows us to not only feel but express emotion works closely together within our heads. These faces embody emotions that accompany meditation or deep inner reflection,” Bruvel tells My Modern Met. “On the back of these artworks is an abstracted visual of synapses firing within the brain. The juxtaposition of the wood sticks mimics the many pathways that make up the human psyche and gives representation to the mostly invisible complexities of thought.”

Though each face is unique, their shared peaceful state helps evoke a sense of inner harmony achieved through deep thought. As the bright synapses of the brain fire away, these tranquil faces demonstrate the contrast between external and internal expressions.

Gil Bruvel's pixelated wood sculptures show a peaceful face on one side and a colorful burst of abstract color on the other.

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“Wonder” (front)

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“Wonder” (back)

“From every perceivable angle, the artworks can be experienced with a new perspective into the creases and shadows depicted within the painted wooden sculptures.”

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“Equilibrium” (front)

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“Equilibrium” (back)

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“Earth and Sky” (front)

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“Earth and Sky” (back)

“These artworks exist as visual representations of the human psyche as it experiences inner reflection.”

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“On My Way” (back)

Gil Bruvel - Wood Sculpture

“Divided”

Gil Bruvel: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Gil Bruvel.

Related Articles:

Masterfully Carved Wood Sculpture of a Submerged Man with a Pixelated Glitch

Hand-Carved Wooden Sculpture of a Monk Distorted by Glitches

Incredible Wood Sculptures Boast Bold Blocks of Color

Intricate Wooden Sculptures Made from Dizzying Repetitions of Organic and Geometric Shapes

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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