Andrzej Szymczyk

In hyperrealistic figurative bronze sculptures and other works that draw on marine life and the human form, Polish artist Andrzej Szymczyk demonstrates extreme precision and attention to detail in his endeavors to interpret the wonders and fragility of nature. 

Born in 1972 in Krakow, Szymczyk studied at Newcastle University’s Fine Arts Department from 2010 to 2011 before earning an MA degree in Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in his native city in 2012. Later that year, he moved to London and became a member of the Bow Arts Trust in 2013 and a member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists.

As a keen diver, many of Szymcyzk’s still-life sculptures, such as his intricate Siamese Fighter, Devil Firefish and Seahorse Couple, were influenced by his visits to Madagascar while exploring the country’s stunning coral reefs. His work isn’t relegated to depictions of marine life, however. Nude sculptures such as his Warrior Woman of Kau created in his studio in London’s East End explore the essence of female strength and power. 

Szymczyk has exhibited his sculptures at galleries and exhibitions throughout Poland, the UK and Germany. His works are highly sought by collectors and interior designers.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of Andrzej Szymczyk sculptures.

Figurative sculptures mix reality and imagination, with the most common muse being the human body. Animals are also inspirations for these sculptures, along with forms found in nature.

While figurative sculpture dates back over 35,000 years, the term came into popularity in the 20th century to distinguish it from abstract art. It was aligned with the Expressionist movement in that many of its artists portrayed reality but in a nonnaturalistic and emotional way. In the 1940s, Alberto Giacometti — a Swiss-born artist who was interested in African art, Cubism and Surrealism — created now-iconic representational sculptures of the human figure, and after World War II, figurative sculpture as a movement continued to flourish in Europe.

Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon were some of the leading figurative artists during this period. Artists like Jeff Koons and Maurizio Cattelan propelled the evolution of figurative sculpture into the 21st century.

Figurative sculptures can be whimsical, uncanny and beautiful. Their materials range from stone and wood to metal and delicate ceramics. Even in smaller sizes, the sculptures make bold statements. A bronze sculpture by Salvador Dalí enhances a room; a statuesque bull by Jacques Owczarek depicts strength with its broad chest while its thin legs speak of fragility. Figurative sculptures allow viewers to see what is possible when life is reimagined.

Browse 1stDibs for an extensive collection of figurative sculptures and find the next addition to your collection.