Aufwind

Lightness is not something naturally inherent in wood; it must be liberated by the artist. In the sculpture “Aufwind”, Daniel Bucur shows how a sense of floating can emerge from heavy timber. The form twists dynamically upward, while the striking openings in the material — a variation on his “Guckloch” theme — allow space and light to seem to breathe through the sculpture itself.

“Aufwind” explores that moment of uplift when one sheds ballast and turns toward new horizons. The curved edges and flowing lines imitate the movement of invisible air currents. It is a work full of optimism: the openings symbolize openness to new perspectives and the transparency of the mind. For the viewer, the sculpture becomes a symbol of inspiration and the courage to free oneself from the weight of everyday life. In the spaces of the Hotel am Stephansplatz, this “Aufwind” creates an invigorating accent that invites guests to let their thoughts take flight and to celebrate the freedom of the spirit.

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Schale

The “Schale” is one of the oldest symbols in human history — it stands for receiving, preserving, and giving. Here, Daniel Bucur interprets this archetypal vessel as a monument to the power of nature. While the outer form of the sculpture captivates through its clear lines, the inside of the bowl reveals the honest, rough soul of the wood.

Here, Bucur deliberately chose against a smooth polish in the center in order to preserve the primal structure of the material. This roughness in the interior recalls the rugged bark of an old tree or a protective cave offering refuge in the wilderness. The sculpture functions like a visual basin that gathers and holds the stillness of the space. It is a work that invites grounding: the bowl holds nothing material, and yet it seems filled with the energy of the wood and of time. In the atmosphere of the Hotel am Stephansplatz, “Schale” reminds us that we ourselves are often like vessels — we must empty ourselves and come to rest in order to be ready to receive new impressions and experiences. A work of archaic beauty, distinguished by its authenticity.

Torweg

A gateway is far more than a mere opening in space; it is an invitation to transition, to a change in perspective. In the sculpture “Torweg”, Daniel Bucur creates a monument to passage. From a massive, earthbound trunk, the artist has carved a powerful opening that directs the eye not only to the wood itself, but also to the space beyond it.

This work explores the connection between the here and the there. The solid wood symbolizes the threshold, permanence, and protection, while the opening represents freedom and the new. “Torweg” invites the viewer to shift perspective: What do we see when we look through the material? The precise guidance of the edges contrasts with the lively grain of the wood, creating an architectural tension. In the context of the Hotel am Stephansplatz, this “Torweg” reminds us that traveling always also means entering new spaces and opening oneself to the unknown. It is a symbol of openness and the courage to cross boundaries without losing one’s own roots.

Blickfang

A work of art begins to live the moment it captures our gaze. The sculpture “Blickfang” is a deliberate staging of perception. Here, Daniel Bucur has created a center that acts like an optical lens — a point where light converges and the viewer’s attention comes to rest. Amid the vivid grain of the wood, this central shaping forms an almost magnetic focal point.

Bucur plays with human curiosity. In this case, “Blickfang” does not mean merely looking, but truly observing. The delicate guidance of the lines around the focal point keeps drawing the eye back to the center of the sculpture. It is an invitation to study the details of the wood, its history, and its structure with full attention. In a world often shaped by visual overstimulation, this “Blickfang” offers clarity. It reminds us how important it is not to lose focus and to recognize what is essential within the details. A work that brings order to the space and offers the guest’s eye a secure anchor.