Leo Schimanszky





 
                           





                                                                                 


Born in Vienna, Austria in 1943, early on he was introduced to the works of Rodin, Jean Arp and Henry Moore, each of whose works have continued to have a profound influence upon the sculptor.

Schimanszky has long strived for a purification of form in his sculptures by isolating a physical attitude, or the essence of a motion, on the part of his models, while divesting himself of any concern for literal representation. 

Drawing from the traditions of occidental sculpture, he has successfully incorporated the natural elements of light and water into his work, creating the illusion of motion within the heart of his sculptures.  His juxtaposition of flat and curved surfaces, and elongated and rounded forms, successfully create a mosaic of contrasting planes, which in turn set up a natural tension within his works.  This tension is reinforced by his arresting contrast of solid against fluid forms, polished against patinaed surfaces, stone against bronze. 

His two piece sculptures, for example, concurrently suggest feelings of both dependence and freedom.  This riveting interrelation of the two pieces is introduced by the artist as an encompassing tension which in turn serves as a binding element of the works.