sculpture artworks
Paul Bretter
“Binary Code” 2013, wood, tinted plaster / 38x15x15 cm
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Binary” explores the idea of duality through the fusion of two distinct artistic traditions — the ritual language of African masks and the spiritual austerity of Gothic form. The doubled face becomes a metaphor for the coexistence of opposing principles: human and sacred, conscious and hidden, past and future.
Elongated proportions, symmetrical composition, and the inward gaze create a sense of mystical stillness, while the mask itself recalls ancient ritual objects that once served as mediators between worlds. Rather than reproducing historical styles, the work transforms them into a contemporary symbolic image.
“Binary” invites the viewer to reflect on identity, inner division, and the fragile balance between two mirrored realities existing within a single form.
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Binary” explores the idea of duality through the fusion of two distinct artistic traditions — the ritual language of African masks and the spiritual austerity of Gothic form. The doubled face becomes a metaphor for the coexistence of opposing principles: human and sacred, conscious and hidden, past and future.
Elongated proportions, symmetrical composition, and the inward gaze create a sense of mystical stillness, while the mask itself recalls ancient ritual objects that once served as mediators between worlds. Rather than reproducing historical styles, the work transforms them into a contemporary symbolic image.
“Binary” invites the viewer to reflect on identity, inner division, and the fragile balance between two mirrored realities existing within a single form.
“Meditation” 2013, wood, plaster / 40x15x17 cm
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Meditation” embodies the image of inner silence, expressed through the form of a decorative portrait. The figure, freed from external turmoil and defined emotions, becomes a symbol of focus and quiet contemplation.
The artistic language of the work emphasizes both plasticity and ornamentation. Viewers are invited not merely to observe the object, but to enter into a silent dialogue with it—to pause, to reflect, and to experience the moment of presence “here and now.”
The composition encourages reflection on harmony, self-knowledge, and the ability to find serenity within the chaos of everyday life.
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Meditation” embodies the image of inner silence, expressed through the form of a decorative portrait. The figure, freed from external turmoil and defined emotions, becomes a symbol of focus and quiet contemplation.
The artistic language of the work emphasizes both plasticity and ornamentation. Viewers are invited not merely to observe the object, but to enter into a silent dialogue with it—to pause, to reflect, and to experience the moment of presence “here and now.”
The composition encourages reflection on harmony, self-knowledge, and the ability to find serenity within the chaos of everyday life.
“Monk” 2013, tinted plaster / 33x16x16 cm
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Monk” reimagines the classical image of the Buddha through the austere and expressive language of Gothic art. The work unites two spiritual traditions that, despite their cultural distance, are connected by a shared search for transcendence and inner truth.
Elongated proportions, simplified forms, and the meditative stillness of the figure recall the atmosphere of medieval Gothic sculpture, where spirituality was conveyed through stylization rather than realism. At the same time, the calm presence of the Buddha preserves the essence of contemplation, balance, and detachment from worldly chaos.
“Monk” becomes a symbolic bridge between East and West, inviting the viewer to reflect on spirituality as a universal and timeless human experience.
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Monk” reimagines the classical image of the Buddha through the austere and expressive language of Gothic art. The work unites two spiritual traditions that, despite their cultural distance, are connected by a shared search for transcendence and inner truth.
Elongated proportions, simplified forms, and the meditative stillness of the figure recall the atmosphere of medieval Gothic sculpture, where spirituality was conveyed through stylization rather than realism. At the same time, the calm presence of the Buddha preserves the essence of contemplation, balance, and detachment from worldly chaos.
“Monk” becomes a symbolic bridge between East and West, inviting the viewer to reflect on spirituality as a universal and timeless human experience.
“Mermaid” 2012, bronze, granite / 62x17x18
CONCEPTION
The bronze sculpture “Mermeid” offers a surreal reinterpretation of the mythical mermaid, transforming the familiar image into a fragile symbol of metamorphosis and inner conflict. Elongated anatomy, distorted proportions, and the hybrid body create a tension between beauty and decay, dream and reality.
Rather than illustrating mythology literally, the work explores themes of isolation, transformation, and unstable identity. Suspended between human and aquatic forms, the figure appears caught in a state of becoming. Its emaciated torso and sharpened silhouette emphasize vulnerability, while the vertical composition evokes ascension and spiritual dislocation.
Cast in bronze, “Mermeid” unites material permanence with the fluidity of a dreamlike vision.
CONCEPTION
The bronze sculpture “Mermeid” offers a surreal reinterpretation of the mythical mermaid, transforming the familiar image into a fragile symbol of metamorphosis and inner conflict. Elongated anatomy, distorted proportions, and the hybrid body create a tension between beauty and decay, dream and reality.
Rather than illustrating mythology literally, the work explores themes of isolation, transformation, and unstable identity. Suspended between human and aquatic forms, the figure appears caught in a state of becoming. Its emaciated torso and sharpened silhouette emphasize vulnerability, while the vertical composition evokes ascension and spiritual dislocation.
Cast in bronze, “Mermeid” unites material permanence with the fluidity of a dreamlike vision.
“St. Christopher” 2015, tinted plaster / 67x15x16 cm
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Saint Christopher” engages with one of the most enigmatic and rarely encountered images in Christian iconography. In early traditions, Saint Christopher was at times portrayed with the head of a horse—or a dog—an attribute symbolizing otherness, spiritual strength, and inner transformation. The artist reinterprets this ancient motif, bringing together the heritage of sacred art and the expressive language of contemporary sculpture.
The work is composed in accordance with the principles of traditional iconography: frontality, formal restraint, and concentrated presence. Yet, in place of the flat canonical surface, a fully three-dimensional interpretation emerges. Its rough texture and deliberately generalized features heighten the sense of archaic power and mystical intensity inherent in the figure.
CONCEPTION
The sculpture “Saint Christopher” engages with one of the most enigmatic and rarely encountered images in Christian iconography. In early traditions, Saint Christopher was at times portrayed with the head of a horse—or a dog—an attribute symbolizing otherness, spiritual strength, and inner transformation. The artist reinterprets this ancient motif, bringing together the heritage of sacred art and the expressive language of contemporary sculpture.
The work is composed in accordance with the principles of traditional iconography: frontality, formal restraint, and concentrated presence. Yet, in place of the flat canonical surface, a fully three-dimensional interpretation emerges. Its rough texture and deliberately generalized features heighten the sense of archaic power and mystical intensity inherent in the figure.
“Guardian Angel” 2014, bronze, marble / 47x12x21 cm
CONCEPTION
The sculptural composition “Guardian Angel” reimagines the image of the angel as a symbolic presence existing between the earthly and spiritual realms. The elongated silhouette, abstract facial features, and flowing ornamental forms create the impression of a being suspended between dream and reality.
Rather than illustrating a traditional religious figure, the sculpture transforms the angel into a universal symbol of protection, guidance, and inner intuition. The upward movement of the composition suggests ascension and spiritual awakening, while the textured surface evokes the organic connection between human existence and the metaphysical world.
Balancing between archaic symbolism and contemporary abstraction, “Guardian Angel” invites the viewer into a contemplative space of silence, memory, and spiritual reflection.
CONCEPTION
The sculptural composition “Guardian Angel” reimagines the image of the angel as a symbolic presence existing between the earthly and spiritual realms. The elongated silhouette, abstract facial features, and flowing ornamental forms create the impression of a being suspended between dream and reality.
Rather than illustrating a traditional religious figure, the sculpture transforms the angel into a universal symbol of protection, guidance, and inner intuition. The upward movement of the composition suggests ascension and spiritual awakening, while the textured surface evokes the organic connection between human existence and the metaphysical world.
Balancing between archaic symbolism and contemporary abstraction, “Guardian Angel” invites the viewer into a contemplative space of silence, memory, and spiritual reflection.
“Anubis” 2014, concrete / 33x13x16 cm
CONCEPTION
The sculptural composition “Anubis” reimagines the ancient Egyptian deity as a timeless symbol of transition, protection, and spiritual mystery. Known in mythology as the guardian of tombs and guide of souls, Anubis appears here not as a historical reconstruction, but as a contemporary symbolic figure balancing between myth and abstraction.
The fusion of human anatomy with the head of a jackal embodies the union of instinct and consciousness, mortality and transcendence. Simplified forms and rough textures evoke the atmosphere of ancient ritual artifacts shaped by time and memory.
Rather than illustrating mythology directly, the sculpture reflects on humanity’s enduring fascination with death, transformation, and the unknown realms beyond physical existence.
CONCEPTION
The sculptural composition “Anubis” reimagines the ancient Egyptian deity as a timeless symbol of transition, protection, and spiritual mystery. Known in mythology as the guardian of tombs and guide of souls, Anubis appears here not as a historical reconstruction, but as a contemporary symbolic figure balancing between myth and abstraction.
The fusion of human anatomy with the head of a jackal embodies the union of instinct and consciousness, mortality and transcendence. Simplified forms and rough textures evoke the atmosphere of ancient ritual artifacts shaped by time and memory.
Rather than illustrating mythology directly, the sculpture reflects on humanity’s enduring fascination with death, transformation, and the unknown realms beyond physical existence.
