Constantin Brâncuși: A bird in the space

What constitutes art? Who defines it , is it the reasoning of  law of the land or the limitless expansiveness of human creativity? Constantin Brâncuși, who is widely  considered as the patriarch of modern sculpture, took the arduous way to prove to the world that it's not the details and intricacies of the art but the emotion that tethers the viewer to the craft is what defines it.

Constantin Brâncuși, Romanian sculptor, born in 1876, was one artist who challenged traditional definitions of art through his innovative approach to sculpture.

He believed that the emotional impact of a work of art was more important, and the life above, not the labyrinth below, is the hallmark of true art.

Through this vision,he sought to create abstract forms that would communicate powerful emotions and experiences to viewers.

His work has since been recognized as a groundbreaking contribution to the world of modern art, and he is regarded as one of the twentieth century's most important sculptors.

The hallmark of Brâncuși's art is his distinctive, highly abstract style. His works capture the essential nature of his subjects with a pared-down and stylized form that highlights their intrinsic qualities.

With his masterful skill, Brâncuși imbues his sculptures with an organic fluidity, transforming natural forms such as birds and fish into beautifully abstract shapes.

Speaking of Birds, in particular, Brâncuși had a lifelong fascination with the motif of the bird, which he explored in many of his works throughout his career.

The bird motif represented freedom and flight to Brâncuși, and he often used it as a symbol of spiritual transcendence.

Some of Brâncuși's most famous bird sculptures include "Maiastra," "Golden Bird," and the series of "Bird in Space '' sculptures.

"Maiastra," created in 1910, is a stylized representation of a bird with a long, elegant neck and tail.

"Golden Bird," created in 1919, is a more abstract representation of a bird with a curved, streamlined form.

The "Bird in Space'' series, which Brâncuși began in 1923 and continued working on until the 1940s, depicts a bird in flight, with elongated, streamlined forms that suggest movement and grace. 

The series was inspired by Brâncuși's observation of birds in flight and his desire to capture their essence in his art, but United States Customs department was not so fond of this idea of abstractness and they classified the elongated bird sculpture as an industrial item and imposed customs duty when the sculpture arrived at US border for an exhibition in New York ;  after a long and arduous way through the court, Brâncuși established ‘Bird in space ’ was a true work of art and was emblematic of the larger cultural and artistic shifts that were taking place in the early 20th century.

Bird in Space and was sold in 2005 for $27.5 million,a record price for the time !

Another motif that found place in his oeuvre is the human visage, a theme that Brancusi devoted himself to with fervour.

His creations, an array of highly abstracted head sculptures, shines light on the essential shapes of the human countenance. Brancusi's fascination with the human head, as a symbol of consciousness and spirituality, imbued his works with a certain mystical quality.

Among his celebrated sculptures, The Kiss (1908), Mlle Pogany (1913–1914), and "The Newborn" (1915) continue to enamour audiences with their compelling forms and symbolic significance.

Furthermore, Brâncuși was a pioneer in the use of non-traditional materials in sculpture. He revolutionised the field by incorporating materials such as bronze, marble, stone, metal, and glass into his work.

His innovative use of these materials helped to expand the boundaries of conventional sculpture, thereby inspiring future artists to explore new mediums and techniques.

Constantin Brâncuși's vision and exceptional contributions to modernist sculpture have left an indelible impression on the art world, including India.

Sancho Chaudhuri , was strongly influenced by Brâncuși's use of abstract forms and his exploration of space and volume.

His work often featured highly stylized, geometric forms that echoed Brâncuși's innovative approach. Adi Davierwala ,like Brâncuși, was interested in exploring the expressive potential of simple, abstract forms, and his work often featured highly stylized shapes and motifs.

Dhanraj Bhagat, known for his innovative use of materials and his interest in exploring the relationship between form and space, use of simple yet abstract forms, stylized and geometric shapes, was influenced by none other than Brâncuși.

Brâncuși’s singular talent for capturing the essence of his subjects with a simplified, abstract form, his devotion to the relationship between art and nature, and his pioneering use of non-traditional materials are all hallmarks of his exceptional artistry, and his legacy  of unparalleled elegance, simplicity, and innovation remains an enduring source of inspiration and admiration for art lovers and creators alike.

Like a bird taking flight into the endless expanse of space , Brâncuși left this world peacefully at sleep on March 16, 1957, in Paris, France.

Vinod Kumar

(Author is an Officer of the Indian Information Service)