Parallel lines

Daniel Baharier, Israel

Israel. He established and managed the country's third-largest sculpture bronze foundry in the 1980’s and early 1990s, showcasing his expertise and commitment to his chosen medium. Daniel's focus lies in portraying the human figure, capturing the vast range of human emotions, movements, and forms. His portfolio boasts an impressive collection of commissioned works, including a notable achievement in 1992 with the unveiling of Israel’s largest sculpture grouping in Rishon le Zion, consisting of 24 figures ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 meters in height. Additionally, Baharier’s works grace the Sculpture Park at the Wingate Institute, Israel's national sports center, where several of his sculptures, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 meters in height, have found a home. A selection of his smaller sculptures has been on display at the park for over two decades. He also created a twice life-sized portrait of Michael "Misha" Kogan, the founder of Taito Corporations, for their Head Office in Tokyo. Daniel's artistic contributions are recognized by the prestigious Tel Aviv Museum of Art, where he has exhibited his works. His talent was further acknowledged when his artwork was chosen to represent his country at the World Jewish Ice Hockey Championship. In the 2010’s, he had the privilege of traveling to Spain, where he assisted the Danish sculptor Arse Ranslet in the casting process for his work. Daniel was chosen to carry out Manashe Kadishman final works, as the acclaimed artist was physically unable to continue his craft before his passing in 2015. This opportunity showcased Daniel's profound artistic understanding and respect for his fellow sculptor's legacy.I shape the steel rods to create armatures, I feel transported to a strange realm outside of the present time and place. When I take a piece of clay from the bin, that piece speaks to me and tells me what part it should become, fitting itself perfectly into the jigsaw puzzle of the overall piece. The act of creation becomes the sole focus within an unfocused world. My chosen mediums encompass the most plastic elements of the sculpture lexicon. I utilize microcrystalline wax for maquettes, which resembles working with room temperature bronze. This material is incredibly alive, requiring no preplanned metal armature. It can be molded in the hand, allowing for a continuous exploration of different angles and perspectives. From there, I transition to natural clay or plaster. Each of these offers rich possibilities for creating textures of varying hardness and softness. Inspiration for my pieces comes from various sources. I have created an entire series of sculptures based on mathematical theorems, incorporating concepts such as symmetry, parallel lines, and the Mobius strip. I also draw inspiration from everyday elements such as branches, plants, cracks in paving stones, or the shapes created by water as it meanders. I engage with subjects that deeply resonate with me, ranging from peace and the plight of peacemakers to the role of women in society and their treatment. My works have addressed themes like the "Me Too" movement as well as abuse and violence against women. Sometimes the process itself guides me. I am consistently drawn to the delicate dance between equilibrium and instability. I strive to capture movement, balance, rhythm and emotion in the bronze, freezing in time brief moments of deep meaning and beauty. Above all, I aim to convey a message of love and care to observers through the compositions and textures that I painstakingly craft within each piece. Beyond Israel, Baharier’s s sculptures adorn private collections worldwide, notably in France, Australia, the USA, and Japan. Throughout his career, Daniel has been the recipient of numerous bursaries and grants, recognizing his artistic contributions and supporting his creative endeavors.