by Agape Charmani
Gehard Demetz is an Italy born and based artist. Known for his provocative wooden sculptures, Demetz introduces traditional woodcarver to a contemporary audience, through his sculpted artworks, portraying children in inappropriate situations.
His delicate, fine works deal with issues so sensitive, that it makes them unsettling for the viewer. The use of objects in the hands or the bodies of the children add to the macabre notion of the work. As it is written on Demetz’ website, “One of the most startling technical features is the construction using small woodblocks and juxtaposing finely polished parts to very rough and sketchy surfaces. This particular construction and treatment render his sculptures absolutely unique in the domain of contemporary wood sculpture and is partly responsible for the great curiosity aroused by the appearance of his work in the art world.”