Itzik Ben Shalom On Sale

Itzik Benshalom, the man and the artist, is larger than life, an artistic Israeli with a remarkably gentle disposition. Born in Hadera, Israel, in 1945, Benshalom has had no formal art training, but has worked closely with many artists since 1967 when he set up a foundry specializing in the 4000 year old 'Lost Wax' method of casting sculpture. Ben Shalom's sculpture refers to human emotion. Created in pairs, male and female, the sculptures are often moveable pieces. The juxtaposition expresses the essence of Ben Shalom's statement and his concern with human interaction. He says of his work, "The 20th-century artist has to work primarily within the psyche of alienation. The overlay of modern existence which seems to be communicated more by electronic media than anything else, denies basic human emotions love, anger, understanding, all are reduced to cipher. I see my work as an attempt to remind people of a more primal form of humanism. In a sense, I see a need to redefine emotion". Benshalom was recently selected from among 2000 sculptors and artists, to create a five meter sculpture, Lovers, for the lobby of the new Industry House of Israel in Tel Aviv. Another of his monumental works will provide the centre point of the plaza at the University Business Park in Austin, Texas. His works are to be found in museums and public places as well as corporate and private collections throughout Europe, Israel and North America. Benshalom and his wife Hannas, also an artist in lacework, as well as a designer of fine jewelry, live with their three children in Hadera, Israel.

Figurative sculpture is a modern art form in which artists create work that is typically representative of the visible world. However, sculptures that are considered to be figurative in style can definitely be inclusive of abstract elements. A wide range of antique, new and vintage figurative sculptures has been made over the years by both well-known and emerging artists, and these pieces can prove striking and provocative as part of your home decor.

Realistic representation in visual art has a very long history. And while figurative artists, whether figurative painters or sculptors, find inspiration in humans, animals and real-life objects, good figurative sculptures can make us think differently about how the real world should look. Just as figurative paintings might include Photorealistic human likenesses, they can also include elements of Surrealism and can suggest a creative and alternative reality. Figurative sculptures aren’t always realistic impressions of our world — depictions of the human form in classical Greek sculpture, for example, might emphasize beauty and physical perfection.

There are a variety of figurative sculptures on 1stDibs created by artists working in a number of styles, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, mid-century modern and more. A large figurative sculpture can introduce an excellent focal point in a guest bedroom, while smaller works might draw the eye to spaces such as wall shelving or a bookcase that people may otherwise overlook.

When decorating your living room, dining room, home office and study areas with figurative sculptures, don’t be afraid to choose bold colors to inject brightness into neutral spaces. Texture is another factor to consider when purchasing figurative sculptures. A highly textural work of ceramics or wood will catch the eye in a sleek modern space, whereas a smooth, flat glass sculpture can offer an often much-needed contrast in a room that already has many textures.

On 1stDibs, find antique, new or vintage figurative sculpture or other kinds of sculpture for your home decor today.