Anton ter Braak

In the universe of sculptor Anton ter Braak (1960) horses, bulls, females and abstract works play a major role. 'Themes that I can explore for many more years: one work comes from the other. I try to get closer to the essence of my objects. In over twenty years, I have developed my own style.' The sculptures of Anton ter Braak balance on the border between abstract and figurative. They are made from the imagination, not reality. What is essential for a woman, bull or horse, is exaggerated, perhaps even displayed in idealized form. The material bronze does the rest: smooth polished surfaces contrasting with rougher parts, a great shadow effect and a certain classic distinction that you almost always associate with bronze.

In his compact sculptures of women, bulls and horses, Anton ter Braak knows to capture the core, the soul, in a very personal and powerful way. With an inner sense of beauty but also by the refined use of the material. The graceful statures, from both animal and human, are muted or just full of movement. By strapping in various places and in gird with solidified metal mesh or string Anton ter Braak creates a method which both divides and connects the mutual parts and surfaces.

As one of the few artists Anton ter Braak casts his bronze partially himself and the welding and patina is always done by him personally, which idetermines his respect enforcing design and quirky handwriting.