Belisama At the Heart of Fire – Metal Female Bust Sculpture

At the heart of the fire is a female bust sculpture in metal, where steel and bronze meet to bring forth an organic silhouette infused with energy, fire, and the transformation of matter.

A female body shaped by matter

With At the heart of the fire, I wanted to explore the presence of the female body through matter rather than through its traditional representation. The bust gradually appears within a lacework of metal, as though emerging from the steel, caught between presence and disappearance. The shape of the body takes form, yet remains open and fragmented, crossed by voids that become as important as the matter itself.

Steel forms the main structure of this sculpture, while bronze flows through it like a network of energy. These lines seem to run across the body, connecting its different forms and revealing an inner strength. They evoke the traces of fire: matter that has become incandescent, transformed, and then frozen in metal. The female body thus becomes the site of a metamorphosis, between strength, fragility, and movement.

At the heart of the fire, an inner energy

This sculpture belongs to my research into the human body and its invisible territories. In the Life-size Body collection, I do not seek to reproduce the body in an academic manner. I am more interested in what passes through it: its energy, memory, tensions, and the transformations that seem to inhabit matter.

I create each sculpture entirely by hand, gradually constructing this lacework of metal. Steel and bronze meet, respond to one another, and work together in the emergence of the form. Each opening, relief, and metal line contributes to the identity of the work. At the heart of the fire is therefore a unique piece, a sculpture in which the female body seems to be built from fire and preserve the trace of its energy within its matter.

Sculpture features

Title of the work	At the heart of the fire
Collection	collection works, Life-size Body
Artist	Philippe Buil
Type	Contemporary sculpture
Technique	Metal lace
Materials	bronze and steel
Signature	Engraved on the base

• Base Steel: 4 in x 8 in
  
• Dimensions: Height: 18 in - Width: 14 in - Depth: 5 in

Learn more about the sculpture “Belisama At the heart of the fire”

What does the sculpture At the heart of the fire represent?

At the heart of the fire represents a female bust interpreted through a contemporary sculptural language. The body is not reproduced realistically or academically: it gradually appears within a lacework of metal made of matter, reliefs, and voids. The female silhouette thus becomes an organic, open form in transformation.

What materials make up the sculpture At the heart of the fire?

The sculpture is made of steel and bronze. Steel forms the main structure of the female bust, while bronze passes through the matter in the form of lines and metal networks. The contrast between the two materials contributes to the work’s visual and organic identity.

Why represent a female bust in metal lace?

Metal lace allows the body, void, and light to coexist. Rather than creating a solid, closed surface, this technique opens the sculpture and allows the eye to move through it. The female bust then appears as a presence that gradually takes shape according to the viewing angle.

What role does fire play in the sculpture At the heart of the fire?

Fire is present in the title and in the work’s imagery as a force of transformation. It evokes the energy passing through the body and matter, as well as the ability of metal to be transformed by heat and gesture. The bronze lines may recall incandescent traces flowing through the steel structure.

Is At the heart of the fire a unique sculpture?

Yes. At the heart of the fire is a unique work made entirely by hand. The construction of the metal lace, the work on the steel and bronze, and the textures and reliefs make each sculpture impossible to reproduce identically.

Which collection does this sculpture belong to?

At the heart of the fire belongs to the Collection Works range and the Life-size Body collection. This collection explores the human body through contemporary sculptures in which metal, light, void, and matter contribute to the construction of the form.

Why is the female body represented in a fragmented way?

Fragmentation makes it possible to move away from a traditional representation of the body. It reveals a silhouette built from traces, lines, and empty spaces. The female body thus becomes less a form to reproduce than a territory to explore.

How does light act on this metal sculpture?

The openwork structure allows light to partially pass through the work. Depending on the lighting and the viewer’s position, certain reliefs, openings, or bronze details become more visible. The perception of the bust therefore constantly evolves with its surroundings.

Where can a contemporary female bust sculpture be installed?

A collection sculpture such as At the heart of the fire can be installed in a contemporary interior, an architectural space, a private collection, or a place dedicated to art. Its open structure allows it to engage with the surrounding space and light.

How is a steel and bronze sculpture of this kind made?

The sculpture is made entirely by hand through a gradual process of constructing the matter. Steel and bronze are melted drop by drop, then assembled and worked to create an organic structure in which every detail contributes to the formation of the body and the overall balance of the work.