Edouard Martinet does stunning work. For me, this is in the jaw drop category.
Martinet has become the art world’s virtuoso insectophile, transforming bits and pieces of cast-off junk culled from flea markets and car boot sales into exquisitely executed insect, fish and animal forms.
What sets Martinet’s work apart is the brilliant formal clarity of his sculptures, and their extraordinary elegance of articulation. His degree of virtuosity is unique: he does not solder or weld parts. His sculptures are screwed together. This gives his forms an extra level of visual richness – but not in a way that merely conveys the dry precision of, say, a watchmaker. There is an X-Factor here, a graceful wit, a re-imagining of the obvious in which a beautifully finished object glows not with perfection, but with character, with new life.
Martinet will open a new exhibition of work at Sladmore Contemporary in London starting May 5th, 2016. I wish I could see this in person!
Via Colossal Art; More of Martinet’s work (2016 Exhibition) can be seen here.
kestrel says
What incredible work.
We had a guy in the area who did this for years. He had gigantic ants, spiders and a “chupacabra” all standing around on his place, plus he made them and sent them all over. Some of them were over 20′ high. However, his were not nearly as gorgeous and graceful as the work by Martinet. These are truly amazing.
rq says
Spellbound and awestruck! I’m in love with the dragonfly and the mantis, though they’re a bit large for the house (when I get a mansion, though…). The black swift is only slightly on the large side, if I get a grand piano for it to sit on.
(The Colossal article also links to several other artists of a similar bent, and this one especially captured my eye (and my time until the train).)
Caine says
Kestrel,
There’s a guy here in ND does gigantic reclaimed metal sculptures. (I think most places have ‘that guy’). :D Here, the sculptures are along the Enchanted Highway.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchanted_Highway and http://www.dakotasearch.com/attractions/enchantedhighway/
Martinet’s works are pretty small, which just adds to the wow factor.
Caine says
rq:
If I could afford one, I’d be stuck. I don’t know which I’d choose. I’m continually drawn back to the fly and the sardine though.
Saad says
Wow, that is some fantastic work!
I love the robin and rose beetle.
katybe says
That’s rather fun, but do you know about this guy? http://www.modahaus.com/cats-and-mice-historical-armor-art-by-jeff-de-boer/ ?
Hello, by the way. Think I’ve just lurked here so far, but had been vaguely intending to flag up his work for you. This post gave me just the nudge I needed.
Caine says
Hi ya, Katybe! Good to see you here.
I did not, but I do now, and I’ll happily feature him sometime this week. Thanks!
moarscienceplz says
Wow!
Pretty AND kinda Steampunky. Me like!
jimb says
Wow, those are incredible.
My amazement at the creativity of people continues!
blf says
There are canned sardines, and there there are sardines made from cans…
(Yes, I know, the sardine wasn’t made from cans. Not even sardine cans. Or canned sardines.)
Ice Swimmer says
Gorgeous. Some nice touches: The robin is painted to look like it’s made of mahogany. The “claws” of the fly and scales of the sardine.