DUMONTEIL Contemporary is pleased to celebrate the 30th anniversary of collaboration with the artist Daniel DAVIAU.

On the occasion of this event, the gallery presents a collection of about twenty previously unexhibited works that will be in the public eye for the very first time at the artist's solo exhibition titled Anima at 8 rue d'Aboukir, Paris.

The words 'Anima' and 'Animal' have two distinct meanings, despite the fact that they share a common Latin etymological root. 'Anima' alludes to the soul or the breath of life, often evoked in philosophical circles to describe the vital principle animating living beings, whether humans or animals. It is also commonly used to describe the inner essence or profound individuality of a being, while the term 'Animal' describes a living and mobile being.

Daniel Daviau, renowned for capturing the animal spirit in striking works, has adopted a unique method of stylisation and simplification of form. His loving creations capture the personality of each animal. The bronze that gives these creatures life reveals the beauty and strength of each animal through clean lines and simplified volumes, testifying to the artist's deep understanding of form and movement.

Daviau goes beyond simple representation by breathing unique life and personality into each of his creations, demonstrating his exceptional talent and mastery of contemporary figurative sculpture. His work brings a new and emotional dimension to the representation of animals in art, positioning him as a key figure in contemporary art, fascinating and inspiring art lovers across the world.

His exhibition offers an entrancing immersion into the animal kingdom. By amalgamating his artistic expertise with an unparalleled sensibility, Daniel DAVIAU invites us to re-evaluate our relationship with Nature and to rediscover the beauty unique to the animals with whom we share the planet.

DUMONTEIL Contemporary is honoured ****to showcase the works of Daniel Daviau, whose artistic vision effortlessly transcends the confines of sculpture to seize the very essence of animate life. We thus pay tribute to the creativity and passion of Daniel DAVIAU, as well as to the longevity and prosperity of our deep friendship.

About the artist

Born in 1962 in Sarlat, France, Daniel Daviau is a French sculptor. Passionate about nature and animals since his childhood, he has developed a particular interest not only in the representation of endangered species and species heading for extinction, but also rare or strange animals, highlighting their beauty and distinctive character.

His notable artistic work has focused primarily on bronze sculpture, exploring the shapes and movements of animals with unique precision and sensitivity. His style is characterised by clean lines and remarkable technical mastery.

Over the years, his work has been rewarded with numerous prestigious prizes, including the Sandoz prize in 2000, the gold medal for sculpture from the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in 2013 and even recently the Andreï GRAEC prize in 2022, testifying to his recognition in the art world. His works are now present in renowned public and private collections around the world, such as the Deji Museum, China, and the ED.M Sandoz Foundation, Switzerland, showcasing his growing international influence.

Since 2001, Daviau has served as vice-president of the Salon national des artistes animaliers, strengthening his commitment to the artistic community. His work has been exhibited in renowned museums and projects such as Bilbao Biskaia Kutxa Fondation de Bilbao, French May, Statue Square, Hong Kong, Place du Louvre, Paris, Musée des Années 30, Boulogne-Billancourt, and Hôtel de la Monnaie of Paris.

Press release courtesy Dumonteil Contemporary.