Guy Burais organic abstract sculpture France 1970s

A commanding presence in both form and material, Émerge is an extraordinary hand-carved sculpture by French artist Guy Burais (1911-2004), created in the late 1970s. Crafted from a single solid block of hardwood, this abstract, organic composition exhibits a fluidity and depth that speak to Burais’ mastery of form and material. The sculpture evokes a sense of rising motion, twisting, merging, and ascending with sculptural grace.

Its deeply tactile surface, finished in a dark brown stain, has developed a rich, natural patina over the decades, imbuing the work with warmth and soul. The carved lines are both bold and sensual, inviting the viewer to engage with its three-dimensional rhythm from every angle. The piece resonates with the spirit of Alexandre and Odile Noll, whose influence can be subtly felt in the work’s sculptural elegance and reverence for wood as a living material.

Despite its substantial presence, the sculpture’s compact vertical proportions make it versatile: it commands attention whether placed directly on the floor as a freestanding totem, or elevated on a plinth or console for gallery-like impact. The back of the sculpture shows the marks of the artist’s hand, and it is pencil-signed on the underside, affirming its authenticity and authorship.

Acquired directly from the artist’s estate, Émerge has never before been offered on the market, making this a rare opportunity to acquire a highly decorative and collectible piece by a lesser-known but deeply accomplished 20th-century sculptor.

• In original condition with patina to the sculptures finish