New York City Abstract Sculptures
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Item Ships From: New York City
Andrianna Shamaris Coffee Tree Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Coffee tree sculpture. Bleached, sanded and set on a modern black steel base.
Andrianna Shamaris. The Leader In Modern Organic Design.
Category
2010s Organic Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
Laura de Santillana "Bodhi" Sculpture 2009
By Laura de Santillana
Located in New York, NY
Hand-blown shaped with mirrore interior sculpture titled "Bodhi" by Laura de Santillana. Made in Itally in 2009. Vase like shaped with a orange bronze mirrorred finished.
Propert...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Postmodern Hand Carved and Burnished Stone Egg and Holster Set, Memphis Inspired
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carefully curated set of semi-precious stone eggs in vibrant pastels with corresponding stone platform bases for display. Set is comprised of 5 eggs and 3 stone bases and one white e...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Quartz, Alabaster, Granite, Marble
Marie Suri Anemone Candleholder
By Marie Suri
Located in New York, NY
Made expressly for Liz O'Brien by Marie Suri, these anemone candleholders are handcrafted in steel with bronze decoration and a copper interior.
Festive for holiday tables and parti...
Category
2010s American New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Copper, Steel
Midcentury French Modern Enameled Brass Geometric Lamp, Green, Maison Barbier
By Maison Barbier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury French modern enameled brass geometric lamp, green, Maison Barbier, 1970s.
Rare sculptural mod-century piece. Lamp body comprised of tw...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Wendy Hendelman Black and Green Alabaster Heads Sculpture, 2019
By Wendy Hendelman
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's black and green Alabaster heads sculpture on black marble base. The small scale and style hav...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Alabaster
Alexander Ney, Abstract Perforated Terracotta Sculpture, 2012
By Alexander Ney
Located in New York, NY
Abstract sculptural composition.
Perforated and painted terracotta.
Signature & 2012 Copyright on the bottom
Dimensions: H 15.25”, W 9”, D 8”
Alexander Ney (Russian/American, born...
Category
2010s American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Contemporary Collectible Sculpture Copper Knot by Studio Melrose
By Studio Melrose
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bending and twisting this form contains the energy of the universe in an unending tangle of form that can exist on a shelf, plinth or most any surface.
The Copper Knot is a decor...
Category
2010s American Organic Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Spora Sculpture in Glazed Ceramic by Trish DeMasi
By Trish DeMasi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Trish DeMasi
Spora, 2021
Glazed ceramic
9.5 x 9.5 x 18.5 in.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Wendy Hendelman Marble Head and Torso Sculpture, 2020
By Wendy Hendelman
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's Marble Head and Torso Sculpture on a black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of the primitive and the ancient. The smal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble
“Fleur Noir" Ceramic Centerpiece by Halima Cassell
By Halima Cassell
Located in New York, NY
“Fleur Noir," 2015.
Hand-carved, unglazed stoneware.
Halima Cassell is an award winning ceramic artist and her work is represented in several international museums including the Vi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware, Ceramic
Wendy Hendelman Tall White Alabaster Torso Sculpture, 2018
By Wendy Hendelman
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's tall white Alabaster Torso sculpture on a black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of the primitive and the ancient. The...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Alabaster
Eric Astoul, Ceramic Sculpture, Bol Géologique, La Borne, France, 2012
By Eric Astoul
Located in New York, NY
Unique piece
Signed: Astoul.
Master ceramicist Eric Astoul created this piece as part of a series inspired by both modern and ancient stoneware, which, with its rough firing, fli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Curtis Jere Brass Ship Sculpture, Signed
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
Curtis Jere brass ship sculpture, signed. This ship sculpture by Curtis Jere is welded. Nice item for a collector.
Category
1970s Modern Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Brutalist Rapped Wire Guitar Player Sculpture
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1780 Brutalist hand made wire sculpture of a guitar player
Category
1950s Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wire
Yongjin Han, Piece of Wood, Sculpture, United States, 1976
By Yongjin Han
Located in New York, NY
Yongjin Han was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1934. After the Korean War—in which he fought, lying about his age in order to enlist—he was one of six students admitted to the sculpture program at the Seoul National University. At the time of his enrollment little of his native city remained intact; nonetheless, he had never felt more responsible to his work, firm in the conviction that artistic expression is every bit as essential to life and human nature as eating, drinking, or breathing.
One of Han’s teachers was Kim Chong Yung, a pioneer of Korean abstract sculpture, and by the time of his graduation he had adopted the abstraction that had seized both Europe and the United States several years before. . In 1967 he relocated to the USA, where he studied at Dartmouth and Columbia. Over the course of his long career the artist returned to Korea with frequency and made extended stays in Japan and Europe.
Trips to Korea signified something more than mere homesickness: Han’s work, though made largely in America, remained grounded in his rich cultural heritage. Korea rests on a bedrock of granite, and freestanding sculpture produced of the stone has for centuries demarcated sites of historical and religious significance. Han’s sculpture bridges this past with modernity. Richard A. Born, former Curator at the Smart Museum at the University of Chicago, has said that Han “brought Korea’s tradition of direct stone carving out of figuration into a refined, non-objective abstraction.”
For his part, Han put very little stock in designations; his focus, instead, was on the stone itself. His pieces explore a certain harmonization with nature. Han, when describing his work, said, "As stone has been around since the beginning of time, it has much to teach us if we care to slow down and listen." He believed that each stone has its own history, character, and energy and that his task was to draw out these inherently spiritual qualities. He described his process as a “dialogue” with his material: "The stone tells me it has an itch in a certain spot, so I scratch it—and we both feel better!"
Han worked alone and with manual tools, and the process is arduous. Carving stone this way takes time, and, what’s more, required great force—yet Han’s sculptures, even the monumental ones, are, as friend and fellow artist David Parker...
Category
Late 20th Century American New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
American Abstract Expressionist Bronze Dancers Sculpture, Robert Cook, 1963
By Robert Cook
Located in New York, NY
Entitled “Whirl”, a large bronze sculpture by Robert Cook, American (1921-2017) depicting a dancing couple captured in the moment of a whirl. Wonderful early work by the artist, dated 1963 with exhibition labels on the underside of the original hand hewn wooden base.
Robert Cook’s works are in the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum NYC, Victoria and Albert Museum, The British Museum and the Hirshhorn Collection.
Dynamic, with a great sense of fluid movement, excellent early example of Cook’s work.
Robert Cook
1921-2017
Cook was widely admired for having achieved the ability to capture fluid motion in bronze.
Born in Boston, he studied with the classical sculptor George Demetrios...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"Efforts Reward" Bronze Sculpture with Stone Base by Manuela Zervudachi, 2007
By Manuela Zervudachi
Located in New York, NY
Bronze sculpture titled " Efforts Reward" by the European artist Manuela Zervudachi. Signed and numbered 5/8. Dated 2007. A cone like sculpture of s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Organic Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Michele Oka Doner Bronze with gold Leaf "Terrible Chair", 1990
By Michele Oka Doner
Located in New York, NY
One of Michele Oka Doner chairs from her Terrible Chair Series. Unique bonze wiuth gold leaf sculpture from 1990. Sculpture inpired in nature's thorned branches. The artist is known ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Pair Brass Sculptures on Marble Bases
Located in New York, NY
Pair brass sculptures on marble bases.
Category
2010s Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Brass
Michela Cattai, Contemporary Handblown Murano Glass Sculpture, Italy, 2024
By Michela Cattai
Located in New York, NY
Anemone consists of one-off pieces in amber, gold, dark burgundy, and hydrangea, expressing Michela Cattai’s fascination with nature in all of its unpredictable forms and manifestati...
Category
2010s Italian New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass
Wendy Hendelman Alabaster Head and Torso Sculpture, 2015
By Wendy Hendelman
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's alabaster head and torso sculpture on marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of the primitive ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Alabaster
Eric Astoul, "Module, " Contemporary Stoneware Sculpture, La Borne, France, 2014
By Eric Astoul
Located in New York, NY
French ceramist Eric Astoul (b. 1954, Morocco) infuses his sculptures with the essence of ancient and modern earthenware he has encountered along his travels in France, England, Japa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
NECKLACE by Jacques Jarrige Gold Plated and Hand-Hammered "Isadora"
By Jacques Jarrige
Located in New York, NY
Bracelet by Jacques Jarrige gold plated and hand-hammered. From the French sculptor's first jewelry collection that premiered at Loot 15, Museum of Art a...
Category
2010s French New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Gold Plate
Bronze Dome Shaped Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Bronze, “Massah” (Small Dome), 1999
“Massah” (Small Dome), 1999
By, Jay Wholley.
Category
20th Century New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Fred Brouard, "Sterne" Modernist Sculpture, France, 1972
By Fred Brouard
Located in New York, NY
This piece in polished aluminum, elevated on a rectangular, black pedestal, by Fred Brouard, illustrious and groundbreaking French sculpture and furniture maker of the mid-to-late tw...
Category
20th Century French Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
"Coyotenaut" 2017 Ceramic and 24k Gold Sculpture by Jasmin Anoschkin
Located in New York, NY
Unique abstract ceramic and 24k gold sculpture by the Finish artist Jasmin Anoschkin. Titled "Coyotenaut", this unique modern abstract shape is the perfect accent decorative piece fo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Gold
Organic Modern Hand Carved Stone Egg Sculptural Set with Brass and Lucite Bases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Organic modern hand carved stone egg sculptural set with brass and Lucite bases. Gorgeous three egg set, veined to perfection by Mother Nature and hand-burnished by midcentury artisa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Organic Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Abstract Brutalist Wire Horse Sculpture Marcello Fantoni for Raymor
By Marco Fantoni, Raymor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century, abstract, Brutalist, horse sculpture by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor is a mixed metal wire sculpture mounted on a walnut base with copper label signed Fantoni Italy for R...
Category
1950s Italian Brutalist Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Period Tubular Chrome Sculpture by Ruth and William Gerth for Chase
By Chase and Co.
Located in New York, NY
Two available, each sold separately, as per this listing.
A beautiful American Art Deco tubular chrome sculpture piece designed by Ruth and William Gerth for the Chase Brass and ...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Chrome
American Contemporary Anodized and Gold Painted Iron Sculpture, 21st Century
Located in New York, NY
Illegibly signed by the artist on the base, this laconic in form anodized iron sculpture’s rough and brutal surface is further enhanced with only a few segments of circles painted wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Concrete Hoodoo Standing Lamp by OPIARY (H56")
By Robert Remer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature.
These modern, sculptural standing lamps are an elegant way to introduce nature, sculpture, and light into your space.
Like all Opiary products, these are hand-sculpted in our Brooklyn studio and fully customizable.
DETAILS
Sold individually. Measure: Small: H 56".
100 w LED bulb and integrated wall plug
Functional in all weather conditions
FINISHES
Available in earth, white, light grey, grey, dark grey, and black GFRC
Pricing varies based on finish. Please message before purchasing
Price listed is for our standard light grey option
Pictured here in our dark grey cement option
All Opiary pieces are hand crafted and made-to-order, and dimensions/finishes are approximations. Clients are welcome to visit our Brooklyn studio during the fabrication of pieces.
MODIFICATIONS
The LED bulb can be replaced with a grow light...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Cement
Organic White Contemporary Sculpture, Sangwoo Kim
By Sangwoo Kim
Located in New York, NY
Winter, 2023 (Ceramic, C. 12.2 in. h x 15.7 in. w x 9.5 in. d, Object No.: 4170)
Sangwoo Kim was born in Korea in 1980 and currently lives and works in France. He received his degre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Eric Astoul, "Module, " Contemporary Stoneware Sculpture, La Borne, France, 2015
By Eric Astoul
Located in New York, NY
French ceramist Eric Astoul (b. 1954, Morocco) infuses his sculptures with the essence of ancient and modern earthenware he has encountered along his travels in France, England, Japa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Jaime Rodríguez Crespo, Plátano Reef Sculpture, Puerto Rico, 2005
By Jaime Rodríguez Crespo
Located in New York, NY
Unique piece.
Jaime Rodriguez Crespo of Puerto Rico, converts natural elements, like those of coral found on the seabed floor, into evocative artwork--s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Puerto Rican New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Haniwa Warrior 15 Sculpture by Noe Kuremoto
Located in Geneve, CH
Haniwa Warrior 15 sculpture by Noe Kuremoto
Materials: Black stoneware sculpture
Dimensions: D11 x W33 x H57.5 cm
My interpretation of ancient clay figurine...
Category
2010s American Post-Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Fletcher Benton Sculpture, "Folded Circle Zig Zag 1994", Bronze, Granite, Signed
By Fletcher Benton
Located in New York, NY
Fletcher Benton Bronze Sculpture, "Folded Circle Zig Zag 1994", Granite, Signed. Medium scale Hard-Edge abstract bronze sculpture by Californian sculptor, Fletcher Benton (1931-2019)...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze
TOTEM Sculpture #1 by David Haskell
By David Haskell
Located in New York, NY
Cylindrical leaning TOTEM-form, hand built with indentations, green glazes. Artist-signed to underside.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Mid-20th Century Pair of Brutalist Candleholders/Sculptures by David Palombo
By David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
These two pieces by Israeli artist David Palombo are in his signature Brutalist style and use the two materials he is best known for iron and natural stone. Fully functional as candl...
Category
1960s Israeli Brutalist Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Iron
Mid-Century Toguna Sculpture in Burnt Oak on Metal Base by Dogon People, Mali
Located in New York, NY
This captivating mid-century Toguna sculpture, crafted by the Dogon people of Mali, reflects the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of West Africa. Carved from burnt oak,...
Category
1970s Malian Mid-Century Modern Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Unique Glass Sculpture by Heike Brachlow
By Heike Brachlow
Located in New York, NY
Nebula, 2021
Glass
C. 13.5 in H x 13.7 in W x 12.7 in D
Object No.: 4102.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Eric Astoul, "Module, " Contemporary Stoneware Sculpture, La Borne, France, 2015
By Eric Astoul
Located in New York, NY
French ceramist Eric Astoul (b. 1954, Morocco) infuses his sculptures with the essence of ancient and modern earthenware he has encountered along his travels in France, England, Japa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Michela Cattai, Contemporary Handblown Murano Glass Sculpture, Italy, 2024
By Michela Cattai
Located in New York, NY
Anemone consists of one-off pieces in amber, gold, dark burgundy, and hydrangea, expressing Michela Cattai’s fascination with nature in all of its unpredictable forms and manifestati...
Category
2010s Italian New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass
Naturally Sculpted Driftwood Table Lamp/Natural Sculpture 1950's
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-1120 Natural driftwood lamp ,sculpted by the winds and water of the sea.
Original wiring in working condition. Wire was drilled thru the wood.
Height to top of socket 23".
Comes wi...
Category
1950s Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Driftwood
Concrete Hoodoo Standing Lamp by OPIARY (H72")
By Robert Remer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature.
These modern, sculptural standing lamps are an elegant way to introduce nature, sculpture, and light into your space.
Like all Opiary products, these are hand-sculpted in our Brooklyn studio and fully customizable.
DETAILS
Sold individually. Measures: (Medium: H 72").
100 w LED bulb and integrated wall plug
Functional in all weather conditions
FINISHES
Available in earth, white, light grey, grey, dark grey, and black GFRC
Pricing varies based on finish. Please message before purchasing
Price listed is for our standard light grey option
Pictured here in our dark grey cement option
All Opiary pieces are hand crafted and made-to-order, and dimensions/finishes are approximations. Clients are welcome to visit our Brooklyn studio during the fabrication of pieces.
MODIFICATIONS
The LED bulb can be replaced with a grow light...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Cement
"Black 3 Flower Vase" glazed ceramic vase by Laure Klenow, 2024, flower vessel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Black 3 Flower Vase" by Lauren Klenow
2024
6.5" dia. x 12" H
Sculptural black ceramic flower vase hand made by the artist. Three separate openings at the top allow for unique flora...
Category
2010s Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
"Link" abstract geometric ceramic sculpture by Lauren Klenow, 2024, stoneware
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Link" by Lauren Klenow
2024
Tabletop ceramic sculpture consisting of two interlocking geometric shapes.
Hand built by the artist in using a textured beige/light brown stoneware cl...
Category
2010s Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
White Cactus-like Abstract Sculpture, Lone Skov Madsen
By Lone Skov Madsen
Located in New York, NY
Cactus Vessel II, 2023, (Ceramic, C. 8.7 in. h x 7.5 in. w x 7.6 in. d, 4800)
Lone Skov Madsen was born in 1964, and lives and works in Frederiksberg, Denmark. She received degrees ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Industrial Gear on Stand
Located in New York City, NY
Mounted industrial gear on stand.
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Large Hickory Vase by Elan Atelier in Stock
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Available now and ready to ship!
Description/
Bronze vase produced using the superior lost wax bronze casting process, hand-rubbed and finished in selected patina.
Category
2010s European Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Yongjin Han, a Piece of Wood, Sculpture, United States, circa 1985
By Yongjin Han
Located in New York, NY
Sculpted in 1985, this is a rare piece for the famed sculptor Yongjin Han, who usually worked in stone. Nonetheless, it is a quintessential example of his serene compositions.
Uni...
Category
1980s American Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Yongjin Han, Two Pieces of Granite, Sculpture, United States, 2005
By Yongjin Han
Located in New York, NY
Two pieces of granite, a sculpture by Korean-American artist Yongjin Han.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Granite
Licio Zanetti Glass Murano Sculpture
By Licio Zanetti
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1970s modern Licio Zanetti Murano glass sculpture, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass
Blue Ceramic Vase, Peter Beard
By Peter Beard
Located in New York, NY
Vase, 2018, (Ceramic, C. 11 in. h x 8.5 in. d, Object No.: 4146).
Category
21st Century and Contemporary New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Blue and White Ruffled Contemporary Sculpture, Sandra Davolio
Located in New York, NY
Vessel with Blue Edges V, 2023, (Porcelain, C. 15.7 in. h x 8 in. diam., Object No.: 4186)
Sandra Davolio has lived in Copenhagen, Denmark since 1974 and was born in Italy in 1951. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Barbro Åberg, Star Pose, White Ceramic Sculpture, Denmark, 2023
By Barbro Åberg
Located in New York, NY
Åberg's works, made largely in black and white, are often purely sculptural,
even playfully non-utilitarian. Rough surfaces inspired by geology are set in
contrast to a refined elega...
Category
2010s Danish New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Yongjin Han, Untitled, Sculpture in Pink Granite, United States
By Yongjin Han
Located in New York, NY
Yongjin Han was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1934. After the Korean War—in which he fought, lying about his age in order to enlist—he was one of six students admitted to the sculpture program at the Seoul National University. At the time of his enrollment little of his native city remained intact; nonetheless, he had never felt more responsible to his work, firm in the conviction that artistic expression is every bit as essential to life and human nature as eating, drinking, or breathing.
One of Han’s teachers was Kim Chong Yung, a pioneer of Korean abstract sculpture, and by the time of his graduation he had adopted the abstraction that had seized both Europe and the United States several years before. . In 1967 he relocated to the USA, where he studied at Dartmouth and Columbia. Over the course of his long career the artist returned to Korea with frequency and made extended stays in Japan and Europe.
Trips to Korea signified something more than mere homesickness: Han’s work, though made largely in America, remained grounded in his rich cultural heritage. Korea rests on a bedrock of granite, and freestanding sculpture produced of the stone has for centuries demarcated sites of historical and religious significance. Han’s sculpture bridges this past with modernity. Richard A. Born, former Curator at the Smart Museum at the University of Chicago, has said that Han “brought Korea’s tradition of direct stone carving out of figuration into a refined, non-objective abstraction.”
For his part, Han put very little stock in designations; his focus, instead, was on the stone itself. His pieces explore a certain harmonization with nature. Han, when describing his work, said, "As stone has been around since the beginning of time, it has much to teach us if we care to slow down and listen." He believed that each stone has its own history, character, and energy and that his task was to draw out these inherently spiritual qualities. He described his process as a “dialogue” with his material: "The stone tells me it has an itch in a certain spot, so I scratch it—and we both feel better!"
Han worked alone and with manual tools, and the process is arduous. Carving stone this way takes time, and, what’s more, required great force—yet Han’s sculptures, even the monumental ones, are, as friend and fellow artist David Parker says, “all gentle grace and warmth” … [the sculptor] “engages with the stone as an equal—like wayfarers meeting on a path, Han and a stone spend time together and when they part, both are marked and changed forever.”
Yongjin Han's career spanned decades and continents, and included several prestigious large-scale public commissions. In Seoul his work can be found at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the IE Young Museum of Contemporary Art, the Whanki Museum, the Ewha Woman’s University Museum, Posong High School, and the 88 Olympics...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Granite
Portal Clear Glass Bookends, ANDREW HUGHES
By Andrew Hughes
Located in New York, NY
The Portal design is a simple exercise in optics and color. The clear color and reflective light are diffused by a surface etching on the top third of the interior of each bookend. A...
Category
2010s American Modern New York City Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
