It looks like a technique from the future – like one of those 3-D pens that allow you to “draw” with wire.
But Romanian sculptor Darius Hulea mixes old school metalwork with contemporary methods to create his incredible metal “sketches” out of iron, stainless steel, brass, and copper wires.
The 3-dimensional results require a close look to truly appreciate.
Hulea hopes that through his metal portraits he can bring new life and appreciation to the Romanian intellectuals and artists that serve as his subjects.
In an enlightening interview with My Modern Met, Hulea described how his background allowed him to juxtapose the past and present, old and new, agricultural and industrial, as well as both painting and sculpting techniques.
Hulea said his first inspirations were his grandmother and great-grandmother who participated in folk crafts such as weaving and used traditional geometric patterns popular in his village. The feminine craft was positioned opposite his grandfather’s more masculine agricultural tools and their industrial metals. Soft and hard, pliable and sturdy.
But instead of seeing them as opposites, his work eventually became a complementary melding of these techniques, inspirations, and materials, especially when the artist made the switch from painting to sculpture.
Both painting and sculpture first require sketches – and it’s those pencil strokes on paper that Hulea brings to life.
He told My Modern Met that he also discovered inspiration from the great artists of the past during his college days:
“For me, this type of drawing is what we find in the sketches of the great artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Da Vinci—serious and realistic compositions that anyone can understand.”
That moment served as a turning point, he says, for his current collection – he was further inspired by artists’ sculptures and their ability to “draw in space”:
“Some, like Picasso, used recycled materials or, like Calder or David Smith, industrial materials.”
For those wondering, yes, Picasso was also a sculptor. Here’s a piece of bronze metalwork from 1950 titled “Femme avec Landau,” or Woman with Baby Carriage”:
However many inspirations Hulea might have, it’s clear that his work is unique, though he says it’s just a new way of drawing:
“I hope that people will understand that I do nothing but draw in a new way, in a durable material of the past.”
It’s fascinating to see how metal is melded together on the face of this sculpture while the rest is transparent in order to show off the number of small wires involved.
This is George Coșbuc, a Romanian poet inspired by rural life (much like Hulea).
Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran – known for his pessimistic outlook and work on suffering and decay – has a more finished look with the wires illustrating the trademark wild hair he grew out in his later years.
This close-up shot shows the masterful detail in creating musculature for some of his sculptures.
Remember, these are all tiny wires!
His display of a sculpture of renowned philosopher Mircea Eliade shows how the artist plays with darkness and light, opaqueness and transparency.
Hulea’s sculptures are just as stunning when displayed outdoors.
This piece representing the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I was part of Romania’s Centennial Urbingo project funded by the National Program of the Ministry of Culture and National Identity.
The wirework shown on the emperor’s horse makes it look like it is in motion. Another juxtaposition – stillness and motion.
While we won’t know what projects or commissions are up next for the uniquely talented sculptor, we’ll be watching his Facebook and Instagram pages for more of his stunning work.
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