Harumi Klossowska de Rola (b. 1973) 

Known for her sculptures of fauna and flora meticulously crafted from materials such as bronze, alabaster, and wood, Harumi’s practice sensitively considers the connection between the natural world and mankind.

Drawing inspiration from myriad sources, the artist’s practice is informed by an array of cultures and aesthetic traditions, from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman mythology to Japanese Shintoism, and the aesthetic of wabi-sabi. While deeply rooted in ancient mythology and a wide range of cultural influences, Harumi’s studio practice is equally shaped by her own personal history and environment. Residing and working on the property of her childhood home in the town of Rossinière in the Swiss Alps, the artist has kept a dialogue with the nature and the woods that surround her. Her sculptures combine inspiration from wild animals with historical and mythical creatures from ancient cultures and civilizations.

Influenced by the passage of time and a rich sense of history, Harumi’s handcrafted sculptures incorporate materials layered with age. With an exquisite attention to detail and surface, they feature rich patinas, often highlighted with passages of gold leaf. To make her sculptures, Harumi collaborates closely with skilled foundry artisans, often at the Fonderie de Coubertin in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, where many of the sculptures are cast. Harumi’s command of material and her keen attention to detail across her artistic practice is evident in each object she makes.