Mastering Simplicity: Constantin Brancusi's Artistic Philosophy

February 17, 2024 Razvan Chiorean

sculpture, modern art

Constantin Brancusi - hailed as the father of modern sculpture. His journey would redefine the very essence of the artistic expression. Source: Bettmann / Getty Images

Constantin Brancusi, a Romanian sculptor who embraced French citizenship prior to his passing in 1957, stands as a luminary in the realm of 20th-century art. Revered for his mastery in employing abstract forms to encapsulate natural concepts, Brancusi's artistic legacy resonates profoundly, paving the way for the minimalist art movement that unfolded in the 1960s and persisted thereafter. Among his celebrated works, the "Bird in Space" sculptures stand out, widely acclaimed for their sublime representation of flight in the abstract realm.

Early Life

Constantin Brancusi, born on February 19, 1876, in the village of Hobita, Gorj, near Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, was a child of the countryside. His parents, Nicolae and Maria Brancusi, were humble peasants who eked out a living through hard labor. From the tender age of seven, Constantin was entrusted with the responsibility of herding the family’s flock of sheep. It was during these early years that he discovered his knack for carving, a popular art form in rural Romania. At the age of eleven, Brancusi left his village to seek work in the nearest town. His journey eventually led him to the city of Craiova, where he held various jobs, from waiting tables to building cabinets.

Hailed as the father of modern sculpture, Brancusi embarked on a journey that would redefine the very essence of artistic expression.

His earnings enabled him to enroll in the Craiova School of Arts and Crafts. Here, he honed his woodworking skills, undertaking ambitious projects such as crafting a violin from an orange crate. Brancusi’s artistic journey continued at the National School of Fine Arts in Bucharest, where he studied sculpture. His talent was recognized early on, as he won several competitive awards for his sculptures1. One of his earliest surviving works is a statue of a man with his skin removed to reveal the underlying muscles1. This piece marked one of his initial attempts to depict the internal essence of a subject rather than its external appearance.

Contemporary individuals lack the antennas to penetrate the true reality, the only reality that matters. They are deceived by appearances and stop there. They don't go further because this stupid need for security hinders them, cutting the wings of adventure and locking the spirit in the prison of conformity.

From Carpathian Foothills to Abstract Sculpture

Brancusi’s first exhibition in Paris was in 1906. During this period, he created two of his most iconic works: “Sleeping Muse” and "The Kiss". The latter, a depiction of two figures whose lips are fused in a kiss, marked a departure from the detailed realism of his earlier works. Instead, Brancusi began to focus on the essence of his subjects, using clean, geometric lines to convey their form and spirit. This innovative approach would become a hallmark of his style and establish him as a pioneer of modern abstract sculpture. In 1908, Brancusi was influenced by Auguste Rodin, the preeminent French sculptor of his time.

Constantin Brancusi left, Auguste Rodin right

However, Brancusi soon departed from Rodin’s style, famously saying, "Nothing can grow under big trees." He sought to strip his work of unnecessary detail to reveal the ‘real’ underneath. This philosophy is evident in his series of bird sculptures, where he reduced the bird’s form to its most basic shape, capturing the essence of flight. Brancusi’s work was not limited to sculpture. He was also a painter and a photographer. His photographs were not merely documentary images of his sculptures but were considered as separate works of art. They often included the studio where he worked, providing a glimpse into his creative process.

The Philosopher & the Journey to Modernism

Constantin Brancusi, a visionary artist, had a unique ability to perceive the world in its most authentic essence. His acute awareness and innate sense of wonder infused his work with a depth that transcended the physical and delved into the metaphysical. His artistic philosophy can be encapsulated in his own words: "Simplicity is complexity resolved." This profound simplicity, which belies the complexity of thought and emotion that underpin his creations, is evident in his works, from the stark elegance of “The Kiss” to the ethereal grace of "Bird in Space".

Bird in Space (L'Oiseau dans l'espace) is a series of sculptures by Constantin Brancusi. The original work was created in 1923 and made of marble.

Brancusi’s artistic journey began in his native Romania, where he honed his skills at the School of Arts and Crafts in Craiova. Seeking a broader artistic horizon, he ventured to Paris in 1904, becoming a student of the renowned Rodin. However, Brancusi’s artistic vision diverged from his mentor’s, leading him to forge his own path. His departure from traditional forms was a declaration of his commitment to capturing the essence rather than the mere appearance of his subjects. This marked the inception of his “modern” period, where he sought to distill forms to their essential nature.

The Parisian Epoch

In 1904, Brancusi decided to further his artistic career by moving to Paris. Legend has it that he walked most of the way from Munich to Paris, even selling his watch to afford the boat crossing across Lake Constance, where Germany, Switzerland, and Austria converge. From 1905 to 1907, Brancusi was enrolled at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. This period served as his gateway into the circles of some of the era’s most renowned artists. Brancusi’s innovative approach to depicting form and his exquisite use of pure form and finishing would later establish him as a pioneer of modern abstract sculpture.

The Atelier Brancusi: a work of art in its own right, Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris

Brancusi’s relocation to the bohemian milieu of Paris in the early 20th century marked a pivotal phase in his career. The city’s vibrant artistic scene became a crucible for his innovative ideas, and his studio at 11 Impasse Ronsin became a haven for fellow artists like Amedeo Modigliani and Marcel Duchamp. His work ethic and commitment to his craft, encapsulated in his motto, "Create like a god, command like a king, work like a slave,” defined Brancusi’s Parisian years. During this period, he produced iconic pieces like “Maiastra” and “Mademoiselle Pogany.” Brancusi’s studio, filled with prototypes and experiments, was a testament to his relentless pursuit of artistic perfection.

In Conclusion

Constantin Brancusi's legacy is marked by a significant impact on the art world. Operating in France until his death in 1957, he reshaped the sculptural medium by steering it away from traditional representation towards abstraction. Today, Brancusi is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century. His artworks are prominently displayed in museums globally, and his innovative approach remains a source of inspiration for contemporary artists. His lasting influence solidifies Brancusi's position as a transformative figure in the evolution of sculptural art, making him an enduring source of creative inspiration.

Note

From Conversations with Ionel Jianu, text published in the Royal Foundations Magazine, September 1946

"I have the impression that people's lives unfold on a wrong basis. There is a serious misunderstanding in the starting point. People fail to recognize the miracle that life itself is, this earthly globe spinning in chaos, carrying them through the centuries. What people lack in our time is the cosmic dimension, the sense of adventure of the spirit, beyond apparent reality. Contemporary individuals lack the antennas to penetrate the true reality, the only reality that matters. They are deceived by appearances and stop there. They don't go further because this stupid need for security hinders them, cutting the wings of adventure and locking the spirit in the prison of conformity. Always, what sustained me was joy. In the toughest circumstances of life, I knew how to find it on my journey. I walked singing. I knew that what needed to happen would happen. And nothing stopped me. On this feeling of wonder that life represents, of joy, my entire work is built."

Text - Conversations with Ionel Jianu. Text published in the Royal Foundations Magazine, no. 9, September 1946.

Note1 The original text has been translated into English. You can find the Romanian version below.

"Am impresia că viața oamenilor se desfăşoară pe o bază greşită. Există o gravă neînţelegere în punctul de pornire. Oamenii nu recunosc minunea pe care o constituie viaţa însăşi, globul acesta pământesc care se învârteşte în haos și îi poartă în mersul lui prin veacuri. Ceea ce le lipseşte oamenilor din vremea noastră e dimensiunea cosmică, sentimentul acesta al aventurii spiritului, dincolo de realitatea aparentă. Oamenii actuali nu au antene pentru a pătrunde în realitatea adevărată, în singura realitate care contează. Se lasă amăgiți de aparențe și se opresc la ele. Nu merg mai departe. Pentru că îi împiedică această stupidă nevoie de securitate care taie aripile aventurii şi care ferecă spiritul în închisoarea conformismului. Întotdeauna, ceea ce m-a susținut a fost bucuria. În cele mai grele împrejurări ale vieții, am ştiut s-o găsesc în drumul meu. Mergeam cântând. Ştiam că ceea ce trebuie să se întâmple se va întâmpla. Și nimic nu mă oprea. Pe acest sentiment al minunii pe care o reprezintă viața, al bucuriei, e clădită toată opera mea."

Text - Conversaţii cu lonel Jianu. Text publicat în Revista Fundațiilor Regale, nr. 9, septembrie 1946.

***