For Duhamel, the essence of his work lies in the beauty of his subjects, aiming to convey an emotive connection with the viewer. In his own words, he is “trying to capture the beauty and sensuality” of his subjects, with the primary aim of creating a sense of enchantment, rather than an analytical approach to the human figure. This pursuit of beauty is not merely aesthetic; it is tied to a sense of mastery over material and form, where he considers every detail in service to the intensity and emotional resonance of the work. Compositionally, Duhamel’s figures occupy a space between stillness and motion, inviting reflection on the subtleties of human expression and interaction. While his works often evoke a sense
of calm or pause, they also carry an underlying energy, as though he is capturing the figure in moments of transition, balance, or contemplation. This delicate tension is central to Duhamel’s approach; his work explores form while holding a fleeting, often intimate, moment in suspension.
Seamlessly merging classical techniques with contemporary experimentation, Duhamel utilises various materials to explore form in relation to space. His bronze sculptures, meticulously finished with rich patinas, evoke a timeless presence. Works in laser-cut MDF explore human contours through intricate, topographical lines, describing every curve of his model with striking tactility and detail, the layered textures giving the figures a sculptural depth and rhythm. Using the same laser-cut method, Duhamel’s acrylic sculptures are vibrant, luminous works that glow intensely as light passes through their translucent laminated layers in vivid fluorescent hues. His acrylic and MDF works carry an ethereal quality, shifting in appearance as the viewer moves around them, transforming in response to light
and atmosphere.
Duhamel’s ability to work with such diverse materials, from the rich textures of bronze to the luminous qualities of acrylic and the natural tactility of a wooden finish, demonstrates his exceptional skill and ongoing exploration of the human form and its emotional resonance. Each material allows him to address different facets of the human experience, from intimacy and fragility to strength and presence. He is deeply committed to every facet of his practice, approaching sculpture as a technical and emotional pursuit. This engagement is evident in his hands-on approach to the process; casting works in his personal foundry, ensuring that every stage of creation is under his direct control. His meticulous involvement in the technical process reinforces his work’s deeply personal and intimate nature.
Born in France, Duhamel moved to New Zealand in 1987. He lives and works on Waiheke Island, where he continues to develop his practice as a figurative sculptor. With a background in both bronze casting and printmaking, Duhamel has studied under master artists such as David Reid (bronze casting) and Chrystèle Legardinier (etching), and worked on contract in the New York studio of American sculptor Jeff Koons. Since becoming a full-time artist in 2006, Duhamel has established a strong reputation in the international art community. His sculptures are represented in galleries across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, and are held in numerous private and public collections.
Parnell Gallery has represented Olivier Duhamel since 2006.
