Jonas Balan - Tree of Life Metal Sculpture, Signed
Jonas Balan (Haitian, b. 1956)
Tree of Life, c. 1985
Handcrafted Cut Metal Sculpture (Fer Découpé)
Signed at base
15"H × 14.5"W
Description:
This fer découpé (cut metal) sculpture by master artist Jonas Balan transforms a recycled steel drum into a sculpted "Tree of Life" teeming with birds. A celebration of Haitian craftsmanship, the work showcases Balan's signature technique of hand-cutting and tooling metal into intricate organic forms. The artist's distinctive touch appears in the rhythmic leaf patterns, flowers, bird silhouettes, and his name incorporated into the tree trunk's design.
Condition:
- Excellent vintage condition
- Expected patina and gentle wear to metal surface
- No structural issues
Cultural Context:
From Balan's family workshop in Croix-des-Bouquets—the heart of Haiti's metal art movement—this piece embodies the tradition pioneered by Georges Liautaud. The Tree of Life motif reflects Haitian Vodou's connection to nature and community, while the reclaimed materials speak to the country's innovative reuse of industrial resources.
Jonas Balan (Haitian, b. 1956)
Tree of Life, c. 1985
Handcrafted Cut Metal Sculpture (Fer Découpé)
Signed at base
15"H × 14.5"W
Description:
This fer découpé (cut metal) sculpture by master artist Jonas Balan transforms a recycled steel drum into a sculpted "Tree of Life" teeming with birds. A celebration of Haitian craftsmanship, the work showcases Balan's signature technique of hand-cutting and tooling metal into intricate organic forms. The artist's distinctive touch appears in the rhythmic leaf patterns, flowers, bird silhouettes, and his name incorporated into the tree trunk's design.
Condition:
- Excellent vintage condition
- Expected patina and gentle wear to metal surface
- No structural issues
Cultural Context:
From Balan's family workshop in Croix-des-Bouquets—the heart of Haiti's metal art movement—this piece embodies the tradition pioneered by Georges Liautaud. The Tree of Life motif reflects Haitian Vodou's connection to nature and community, while the reclaimed materials speak to the country's innovative reuse of industrial resources.
Jonas Balan (Haitian, b. 1956)
Tree of Life, c. 1985
Handcrafted Cut Metal Sculpture (Fer Découpé)
Signed at base
15"H × 14.5"W
Description:
This fer découpé (cut metal) sculpture by master artist Jonas Balan transforms a recycled steel drum into a sculpted "Tree of Life" teeming with birds. A celebration of Haitian craftsmanship, the work showcases Balan's signature technique of hand-cutting and tooling metal into intricate organic forms. The artist's distinctive touch appears in the rhythmic leaf patterns, flowers, bird silhouettes, and his name incorporated into the tree trunk's design.
Condition:
- Excellent vintage condition
- Expected patina and gentle wear to metal surface
- No structural issues
Cultural Context:
From Balan's family workshop in Croix-des-Bouquets—the heart of Haiti's metal art movement—this piece embodies the tradition pioneered by Georges Liautaud. The Tree of Life motif reflects Haitian Vodou's connection to nature and community, while the reclaimed materials speak to the country's innovative reuse of industrial resources.