Step into the world of Daniel Firman, an artist who defies the limits of time, balance, weight, and gravity through his eye-popping sculptures. Born in Bron, France, on August 20, 1966, Firman’s art reflects a critical perspective on the socio-economic state of the world shaped by rapid global capitalism and political revolutions triggered after 1980.
Firman’s sculptures freeze moments of time and action in precarious balance. From a taxidermied elephant seemingly weightless on a gallery wall to human figures striking precarious poses, he captures the essence of balance and weight. To create these sculptures, he demands much effort from his models, making them remain immobile until exhaustion. This approach to time becomes the foundation of his unique and thought-provoking art.
The artist’s fascination with the human body goes beyond static sculptures. He has explored performance art, crafting choreographed works where he encloses himself within constructions. Additionally, he has delved into immersive sound installations of “Drone Music,” adding another dimension to his diverse artistic expression.
Firman’s works resonate with audiences worldwide and have found a place in major collections around the globe. He currently lives and works in Istanbul and Bordeaux, where he continues to push the boundaries of art and challenge his own artistic limits.
One of Firman’s remarkable series, “Attitude” and “Saisir L’impossible,” questions humanity’s relationship with the modern world, technology, and each other amidst chaos. Through his surprising and hyper-realistic sculptures, he reinterprets our perception of space and the connection between humans and animals, exploring gravity’s influence.
Technically versatile, Daniel Firman experiments with various materials, from ready-made objects to polyurethane, bronze, and clay. Some of his works use molds of real human bodies and clothing to achieve hyper-realistic depictions, while others take a more imaginative approach, deforming human bodies to “capture the impossible.” Each sculpture becomes a reflection of humanity, the world of objects, and nature from Firman’s unique perspective.
The artist’s extensive exhibition history includes prestigious institutions like Centre Pompidou (France), The Eli&Edythe Broad MSU Art Museum (USA), Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon (France), and many others worldwide.
As you step into the world of Daniel Firman’s sculptures, you are invited to ponder the delicate balance between humanity and the ever-changing world of objects. His art captures fleeting moments, freezing them in time, allowing us to reflect on our place in the grand scheme of things. Prepare to be mesmerized and captivated by the gravity-defying wonders crafted by this visionary artist.
