Human head 1928

Ossip Zadkine created this 'Human Head' sculpture from wood, using carving techniques. The choice of wood as a medium infuses the sculpture with warmth and organic quality. It is evident that Zadkine engaged directly with the material. You can see the marks left by his tools on the surface. These traces speak of the artist’s physical interaction with the wood, reflecting the labour involved in shaping the sculpture. The process of carving requires a certain kind of patience and skill, deeply rooted in craft traditions. The way Zadkine has handled the material, respecting its natural grain and texture, elevates the artwork beyond mere representation, into something deeply connected to the earth. By emphasizing the materiality and making of this sculpture, Zadkine challenges us to consider the value of craft and manual skill. He blurs the lines between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry inherent in the process itself.