Angelus Saucius by Tomasz Koclęga on III Sacrum Profanum Auction

Luiza Poreda, 14 June 2021

In the latest catalog of the 3rd Sacrum Profanum Auction at the Art in House Auction House, next to many interesting painting and sculptural proposals, you can find another interesting work by Tomasz Koclęga. This is the second sculpture of this type by a well-known Silesian artist that appears at auctions in our auction house. During the April 2nd Collector’s Sculpture Auction, another work by this artist, “Rebus Amet”, was highly auctioned – it was a cover sculpture for the catalog of this art auction.

The sculpture “Angelus Saucius”, which will be available for auction at the Art in House art auction on Friday, June 18, 2021, is an impressive work set on a dibond (i.e. composite board) plinth. The whole thing is 2 meters high and despite its large size it seems light and dynamic.

 

– The inspiration for the creation of “Angelus Saucius” (Latin: “Wounded Angel”) was painting of the Finnish symbolist painter Hugo Simberg, and directly – with his outstanding painting “The Wounded Angel”. This extraordinary artwork stuck in my memory very deeply, even though it is not one of the most frequently reproduced or discussed works of its time. The figure of the wounded angel is very human. He does not, in my opinion, have too much of the heavenly. Carried on a stretcher by two boys, he is not so much an angel as a wounded, aching man. The very approach to the subject is very symbolic and constitutes a puzzle that the author has never revealed – Tomasz Koclęga tells us.

 

 

It was the mystery as well as the very human nature of the angel Simberg that inspired the sculptor to create “his own angel”.

– In my works I focus mainly on people. I look for areas of human sensitivity, fleeting emotions in them. So, in a sense, this work is different from my sculptures so far. My original form, expression and style remain unchanged. With reference to the painting, my Angelus is also injured. He is crippled like many of us. With one wing, with one hand, but majestic and magnificent – says Koclęga.

The sculpture is made of polyester resin and glass mat. We asked Tomasz Koclęga about the technique and material the sculpture is made of. How much does this technique affect the form and how does it differ from the bronze work in which you carry out most of your works?

– First difference is that it is a unique sculpture. It was created as a unique copy. From the collector’s point of view, this is a significant difference, because most (but not all) of the bronze sculptures are made in editions – always limited in my case. In terms of work, it is also a completely different process. I have been working with resins for several years and my workshop is constantly evolving. I started with technologically simple sculptures, where I covered a fully modeled sculpture made of paper with a glass mat and soaked it with resin … Today I remember those beginnings with fondness. Currently, I work completely differently, I also use different materials. My knowledge and experience gained over the years are also incomparable – the artist explains.

 

A common question that potential buyers ask the gallery is the durability of resin works and the possibility of displaying them outside – on the terrace or in the garden. Can you say something about it?

– Polyester laminate is a very durable and widely used material. It appeared in the twenties of the twentieth century, and has been widely used since the middle of the last century. He immediately caught on in art. Among the many classics of art working in this material, it is worth mentioning the American hyperrealist Duane Hanson or the famous French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, whose most outdoor sculptures were made of polyester resin. The works of these artists show how diverse the use of resins in art can be – says Tomasz Koclęga.

 

As he explains further, products made of polyester laminates, even more than in art, are widely used in everyday life. Most often they are used to make bathtubs, washbasins and shower trays, as well as seats in trams, boat and yacht hulls, car body parts, etc. They are also very resistant to external weather conditions.

 

– In my output I have a dozen or so monumental works, installed in open public spaces on three continents, made of polyester resin. They have been exhibited in squares, roundabouts or sculpture parks for many years and show no signs of wear. Although this material has been used for only a hundred years, it can be safely said that the work made of resin and covered with “topcoat” will surely survive each of us – concludes the artist.

We invite you to the 3rd Sacrum Profanum Auction
June 18 (Thursday) 2021 at 19:30
Art in House Auction House, Al. Jerozolimskie 107, Warsaw

The last few interviews with the artist, broadcasted by, among others, nationwide TVP Kultura or the video about contemporary architecture, Buidofy.com, recorded for the Indian channel, can be found below: