Abstract wooden sculpture “Torse ou Bollard” by Sergio Storel, 1969

Abstract wooden sculpture "Torse ou Bollard" by Sergio Storel, 1969. Unique work made out of solid wood, characterized by bold shapes and expressive chisel cuts. The texture of the sculpture plays an important role in this work; the traces of the chisel and the more refined rasp texture bring the surface to life and highlight the powerful ethnographic influenced style. The sculpture depicts an abstracted torso, anatomical elements have been eliminated and stripped of figurative references. Reduction into pure form was a hallmark of Storel’s work, his minimalist approach gives the piece a timeless, modern aesthetic. The torso was one of his favorite themes, it was this search for the essence of life that led him focus on the figures of man. Storel moved from Italy to Paris in 1958 after studying and working for a time in the studio of his uncle, the sculptor Toni Benetton. The desire to discover other worlds and the international art scene of Paris attracted him, and it was here where he established his own career and style. Storel is considered a prominent figure in the post-war sculpture scene. His works found their way into important private - and museum collections. The sculpture is signed, dated: Storel 1969. In excellent original condition.