Vibrant Pixelated Wood Sculptures Visualize the Depths of the Human Psyche

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Australian-born, French-raised artist Gil Bruvel explores the depths of the human mind in his ongoing sculpture series, Bending the Lines. He uses a simple medium—colorfully painted wooden sticks—that, when combined, turn into his pixelated, sculptural forms expressing complex human emotion.

Similar to the classic pinscreen toy you might remember from your childhood, Bruvel’s pieces feature three-dimensional relief motifs that appear as though they’ve been pressed through from the back side. However, rather than temporary impressions of a nose or hand, Bruvel’s works reveal permanent images of serene human faces and abstract patterns. From the front, many of Bruvel’s sculptures visualize calm emotions, but from the back, the sticks appear as a jumble of vibrant color, representing the explosion of inner thought, and synapses firing within the brain.

“These faces depict expressions of serenity and inner reflection, each purposefully structured into an example of meditative emotion,” says Bruvel. “Mimicking the depths of the human psyche, the artworks can be experienced with a new perspective from each perceivable angle into the creases and shadows of the individual sculptures.”

While many of Bruvel’s works depict realistic human faces, some of his most recent pieces are inspired by emojis. Many of us use these simple, graphic representations of emotion when communicating online, but Bruvel’s works highlight the intent and emotion behind these modern symbols.

Bruvel is currently exhibiting his bold sculptures at CONTEXT art Miami and Art Miami until December 8, 2019.

Artist Gil Bruvel explores the depths of the human mind in his ongoing sculpture series, Bending the Lines.

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Made from painted wooden sticks, they feature meditative faces on one side and a burst of abstract color on the back.

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

They creatively represent synapses firing within the brain.

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Each layer of sticks reflects multiple levels of thought.

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

His latest works highlight the feelings behind everyday emojis.

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Other, more abstract works, embody topographical pathways created by nature.

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Pixelated Wood Sculpturesby Gil Bruvel

Gil Bruvel: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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

Related Articles:

Colorful Pixelated Wood Sculptures Reveal Complexities of the Human Spirit

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Dynamic Pixelated Wood Sculptures Are Contemporary Masterpieces

Amazing Wood Sculptures Carved to Look Like Figures Are Trapped Inside

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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