Chantal 1958

Etienne Hajdu made this sculpture, Chantal, from stone at an unknown date. You know, when I look at this, I get a sense of reduction, like someone simplifying a thought, paring away everything unnecessary. The material itself—this pristine, matte stone—feels so fundamental. It's almost like a primal form, like something unearthed. I love how the light catches its edges, making it seem both solid and ephemeral. Notice the way the curves meet the sharp angles—a really satisfying tension. There’s something so tender about the face being suggested by the barest minimum of detail. It reminds me of other sculptors, like Brancusi, who also worked with these very simplified forms. Ultimately, this sculpture embraces ambiguity; it invites us to project our own feelings and experiences onto its quiet, contemplative form. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful art is the art that asks us to participate.