Stefan Balan

ROMANIAN ARTWORKS

Stefan Balan is a talented Romanian artist whose works may be likened to that of fellow countryman Constantin Brancusi. Thoroughly organic and making use of different kinds of wood such as poplar, maple and pear, his art embraces simplicity.

In Icarus 2 the frazzled tracery of his wings, protective arm and bowed head belie a tired soul forced to come down to earth. The sweeping curve and attenuated form of ‘Angel’ bespeaks the elegance of Art Nouveau. With her head tilted in humility and her outstretched wing, she is the epitome of grace and represents the spiritual beauty of woman.

‘Equilibrium’ has at its base the verdigree-covered wheel of an old horse-drawn carriage from which rises a lengthened, split torso, reminiscent of an aeroplane propeller. Balan creates a sense of movement held within static, peaceful forms. The wheel or propeller may begin to spin at any moment, the wings to flap and lift away from the earth. The movement is heavenwards.

Working at the start of the 20th century, Brancusi embraced universal harmony and truth to materials and these ideals are still upheld by Balan in such works as “Spirit 4” and “Closca”. In the former, which makes beautiful use of the upward flowing striations of the woodgrain, the body is adapted as an imaginative springboard, creating a metaphor for energy. The tilt of the chin and shoulders back, signify a positive outlook whilst the undulating intimations of a ribcage, together with the arched sway of a back combine to create a human arrow ready to fly. Mounted on a taut shape like a fin ready to flip back, the form brims with potential energy.

The second example “Closca” which means "Hen" in Romanian, holds its egg within. Rounded forms encircle and cradle the simple ovoid form, so beloved of Brancusi. The ‘wings’ are held aloft, adorned with a ‘beaten’ surface decoration, which brings to mind the meditative resonances of the Eastern gamelan. Just as Brancusi was influenced by the teachings of the 11th century Tibetan monk, Milarepa, Balan too fashions art that is deeply spiritual.

Jesus Christ (Life Size) - Stefan Balan

SOLD - UNITED STATES

THE ANGEL - Stefan Balan

THE HEN - Stefan Balan

COCOON - Stefan Balan

ICARUS 1 - Stefan Balan

56" x 29 1/2" (142 cm X 75 cm)

Body made of walnut wood, wings made of maple wood.
base made of hornbeam wood.
approx. 31 lbs (14 kg)

ICARUS 2 - Stefan Balan

SPIRIT - Stefan Balan

LEDA - Stefan Balan

38" x 23 1/2" (97 cm X 60 cm)

Body made of pear wood,
base made of walnut wood.
approx. 36 lbs (16 kg)

The Kiss - Stefan Balan

27 1/2" x 15 1/2" (70 cm X 40 cm)

Made of pear wood,
approx. 20 lbs (9 kg)

Duality - Stefan Balan

37 1/2" x 22" (95 cm X 55 cm)

Body made of walnut wood,
base made of field maple wood.
approx. 20 lbs (9 kg)

Equilibrium - Stefan Balan

82 1/2" x 82 1/2" (210 cm X 210 cm)

Body made of cherry wood,
base is an old carriage wheel.
approx. 33 lbs (15 kg)

The Thorn Bird - Stefan Balan

41" x 9 1/2" (105 cm X 25 cm)

Body made of plaster
The thorn and spiral made of walnut wood.
Base made of poplar wood.
approx. 20 lbs (8,5 kg)

Adam and Eve - The Banishment From The Garden Of Eden - Stefan Balan

35" x 13 1/2" (90 cm X 35 cm)

Body made of plaster
The thorn and spiral made of walnut wood.
Base made of poplar wood.
approx. 9 lbs (4 kg)

Genesis - Stefan Balan

56" x 18 1/2" (142 cm X 47 cm)

Body made of walnut wood, egg made of poplar wood.
base made of field maple wood.
approx. 14 lbs (6 kg)

The Union - Stefan Balan

63 1/2" x 23 1/2" (162 cm X 60 cm)

Body made of walnut wood
wings made of poplar wood.
approx. 14 lbs (6 kg)

Phoenix - Stefan Balan

64" x 8" (162 cm X 20 cm)

Body made of walnut wood
disk made of field maple wood .
base made of poplar wood.
approx. 22 lbs (10 kg)