Mixed Media Led/Wood/Iron, 2018, 48 x 27 CM

Mart Visser 2018 Mixed Media Sculpture – Abstract Head in Wood, Iron & Lead
Mart Visser’s 2018 mixed media sculpture presents an abstract interpretation of the human head, constructed from narrow strips of wood, iron, and lead. The artist, known for his intuitive approach, utilizes found materials collected around his studio in the Veluwe. Wood adds warmth and organic texture, iron introduces hardness and coolness, while lead contributes literal and figurative weight, symbolizing protection. The carefully stacked materials create a fragile balance between order and chaos, with the head appearing built from layered memories or thoughts. Despite its abstract nature, the silhouette is clearly recognizable as a head, imparting a strong human quality to the work.

Materiality and Symbolism in Visser’s Work
Visser is renowned for his expressive fashion designs and artworks, and here he again showcases his fascination with the human form and identity. The materials may seem to clash, yet together they form a harmonious whole that invites reflection. This sculpture is not merely a visual object but also a head full of stories created from contrasting elements. The use of heavy, weathered materials like wood, iron, and lead reflects Visser’s love for old materials and his quest for inner integrity and authenticity in his art.