Christophe de Contenson is a French sculptor specializing in the ‘lost wax technique’. His figures, often inspired by folk law and legend as well as history and literature are both engaging and inspiring.

Christophe is a self-taught sculptor who was moved to begin his artistic career whilst in Burkina Faso where he was working on humanitarian projects. Christophe was played a founding role in the creation of a non-profit project with the intention of teaching and encouraging young people in art and design enabling them to set up independent businesses. Initially there were 5 young people that number has now grown to over 60 with galleries from all around the world exhibiting their work.

Whilst working with the young artists Christophe decided to try working in bronze with the lost wax technique:

“Burkina Faso is a known place for its famous bronze .A French artist whom we welcomed in residence showed me the basics! After a few tries some people passing purchased my sculptures, so with the support of my sister I had several shows in France. That’s how it started and how it keeps going working well, with luck! My inspiration comes from all my cultural background from opera, children stories, novels, and history. Its a world full of flowers, insects, animals…Always a touch of humor, sensitivity and emotion, I also like to put the small ones in the outfit of the strong ones, the victims in the outfit of the killer: A bull in the outfit of the toreador, a deer in the one of a hunter! The last one can be the first ones!! After thirteen years spend in Africa I moved back to France where I have my workshop and were I welcome some African artists, I have trained.

I do everything myself in my work, from the shape to the cleaning and the patina”

Christophe de Contenson

 

For more information about Christophe de Contenson please do not hesitate to contact me either via email or by telephone on 020 7402 6241