Hawk by Walenty Pytel, Steel, Unique, 74cms high, 30cms wide, 30cms deep
Hawk by Walenty Pytel stands 74 cm high, with a width and depth of 30 cm, presenting a commanding yet finely balanced presence. Fabricated in steel as a unique work, the sculpture depicts a hawk poised on its perch, wings tucked close to its body as it gazes outward in quiet vigilance.
Pytel constructs both bird and stand from an intricate assembly of salvaged steel elements, welding each individual component into a cohesive whole. Rather than disguising the joins, he celebrates them; the varied fragments retain their distinct edges and textures, creating a jagged, spiked silhouette that feels both organic and industrial. Small openings remain between the welded parts, allowing light to pass through the structure. Consequently, the work shifts throughout the day, casting layered shadows that animate the form and subtly soften the weight of the metal.
The perch rises with a slender verticality before extending outward to support the bird, reinforcing the sculpture’s sense of elevation and watchfulness. Throughout, the steel maintains its rugged, uneven surface and deep grey tonality, grounding the piece in its material honesty.
In Hawk, Pytel transforms industrial steel into a study of tension and poise. The rawness of the medium contrasts with the still composure of the bird, resulting in a sculpture that conveys strength, alertness, and a powerful connection between nature and forged metal.
