Poncet is an abstract sculptor in the tradition of Jean Arp and Constantin Brancusi. Many of Poncet’s forms are derived from nature and are pared down to display the beauty or voluptuousness of a form or the essence of a movement. His sculpture shows distinct similarities to the work of Jean Arp, with whom Poncet worked closely from 1953-1955.
Poncet believes that movement is essential in good sculpture, and he strives for a breathless balance in his work, so that as you look at it, you feel that with a gentle push, the piece would fall. As Poncet explained:
The movement is essential in my quest. Everything is moving in nature, in life. We must go all the way, trying to search the balance. Maintaining this balance is essential for the sculpture…
Antoine Poncet's Fugue Animée stands as a testament to the artist's mastery of form and balance. This marble sculpture exudes a captivating elegance, carefully harmonizing its elements to create a visually striking composition from every conceivable angle.
The title refers to a fugue which is a piece of music that takes one or two themes that are repeated and make a continuous interweaving of these themes. The sculpture does this as well. If you potentially start visually at the bottom the shapes weave upward with the repetition of the cut-out form. It lyrically turns and twists and perhaps suggests a lively fugue because of this, hence the word Animee. Poncet is at the height of maturity in his work and this is impressive and a marvelous larger scale work.
The choice of Portuguese marble adds an additional layer of sophistication to Poncet's form. This marble variety, characterized by its fleshy pink hue, is adorned with subtle peachy pink and blueish veins reminiscent of muted nebulous clouds. The selection of this material demonstrates Poncet's keen awareness of the interplay between medium and subject, as he transforms the stone into a manifestation of ethereal beauty.
