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Face to face

"Face to face." These two figures stand face to face right in front of us, they belong together. But appearances can be deceiving.

Inspired by tribal art, Daniel Bucur has created two heads. Two narrow square oak timbers were used as the starting material. Given the weathered surface at the base, it is likely that these were discarded utility woods. The heads are very raw in their craftsmanship, with a predominance of elongation in the vertical form. The facial expressions appear serious and dignified, akin to two tribal chieftains in a political ceremony. The eyes are accentuated, with closed eyelids radiating calm and concentration. This energy is quickly transmitted to the viewer.

The title "Face to face" leaves plenty of room for personal interpretation. Does it refer to the two heads that should be looking at each other, or does it refer more to the interaction with the viewer? One thing seems clear: here, the modern, overcivilized Western world confronts an original world directly. Both perspectives are worth closer and more open examination. These two sculptures demand time and contemplation from the viewer.

More sculptures

Ohne Titel

When looking at this sculpture, one can let their imagination run wild. Daniel Bucur has worked with a massive piece of walnut wood. The basic form, in the shape of a branch fork, was already present. However, the artist proceeded in three steps. Initially, he approached the new form with a chainsaw, then continued to work the wood with a grinder. In the end, intricate carving gave the surface a fine texture. The block is broken on the rear side, with the worked surface facing the viewer.

Through the origin of the material, the artist once again establishes a connection to his chosen home in Burgenland, Gols. The block-shaped base made of porous sandstone also comes from the vicinity of Gols, specifically from the Römersteinbruch in St. Margarethen. The light, creamy color provides a beautiful contrast to the dark brown of the wood.

What is being depicted here? It could be the open mouth of a lizard, or a massive fossilized bone, perhaps from the backbone of a dinosaur?

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Annäherung

Two poles are approaching each other without touching. This sculpture by Daniel Bucur is called "Annäherung."

The surface of the monolith made of oak wood has been shaped by the artist using a chainsaw. It appears rugged, and the cuts are clearly visible. The upper part tapers slightly, and the end is wildly frayed, resembling a break. The outer surface is further dramatized by its Bordeaux red coloration. In contrast, an intricately carved window has been inserted. In its center, two narrow wooden bars wind toward each other, like fluttering ribbons in the wind.

The work has been executed with great care. The color and texture of the oak wood convey a sense of calm and stability. However, the ribbons do not follow a straight path; they seek each other out, and it seems they have just met or are on the verge of parting. Daniel Bucur has captured this moment of approaching before the encounter, or the tearing just before separation. It's something very delicate and barely visible within a bold environment.

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Umarmung V

Here we see a two-part sculpture titled "Umarmung V," created by the artist. It depicts two people standing pressed together, with their arms tightly wrapped around each other.

What's particularly interesting here is the craftsmanship. Daniel Bucur has crafted the figure from a single piece of walnut wood. He initially roughed out the shape, making it appear as if the two people are cast from a single mold. The cutting edge is a perfectly executed optical illusion. However, the real eye-catcher is the surface, which is meticulously polished and further enhanced with shellac for added luster. Beneath the shiny finish, you can see the beautiful, finely detailed texture of the walnut wood, dark and mysterious.

Another interesting aspect is the relationship between the two figures. While their bodies are pressed closely together, their heads are tilted backward, creating a beautiful sense of tension.

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