Bernard Rives, French contemporary sculptor
Bernard Rives is a French contemporary sculptor based in Barcelona, with more than 40 years of artistic practice. His work is characterised by movement, stylised lines and a search for balance, with sculptures inspired primarily by the human figure and the animal world.
Throughout his career he has created works in bronze, resin and fiberglass, ranging from small- and medium-format sculptures to monumental pieces.
The Unexpected Journey
Originally from Carcassonne, France, Bernard Rives began his artistic career in photography, training at the University of Photography in Cologne. He later settled in Barcelona, where he developed his career as a photographer for internationally recognised advertising agencies.
Alongside his photographic work, he began exploring sculpture spontaneously, first creating female figures in clay and wood. Over time, these early forms developed into larger works and an increasingly deep commitment to sculpture.
After receiving first prize from the Paul Ricard Foundation, Bernard Rives decided to focus his career fully on sculptural creation. Since then, the female figure, movement and freedom of gesture have become essential elements of his work.
Throughout his career he has presented his sculptures in Spain, France and other countries, developing a distinctive language recognisable for its stylised lines, balance and continual search for movement.
THE BODY, MOVEMENT AND FREEDOM
In Bernard Rives’s work, the nude body becomes an expression of freedom, movement and vitality. The human figure is stripped of artifice and defined through essential lines and gestures that convey balance, energy and emotion.
Through a constant relationship between volume, lightness and sensuality, Bernard Rives creates stylised figures that seem to defy gravity. Freedom of gesture and the elegance of the female form occupy an essential place in his sculptural language.
The sculptures
Bernard Rives develops his sculptures through different materials and processes, selected according to the characteristics of each work. Bronze occupies an important place in his practice and is worked using the traditional lost-wax casting process, with polished or patinated finishes depending on the creation.
Resin and fiberglass allow him to explore lighter forms, larger volumes and a wide range of finishes. This technical freedom has made it possible to develop everything from small- and medium-format sculptures to monumental works.
The female figure and the animal world are two of the major themes in Bernard Rives’s work. His sculptures are recognisable for their stylised lines, simplified forms and continual search for balance.
Movement is present in every creation: bodies that appear suspended, figures that challenge gravity and forms that convey energy even at rest. This combination of lightness, strength and freedom defines much of his sculptural language.
Explore a selection of original contemporary sculptures, unique works and limited editions created by Bernard Rives.
