Henri Iglesis

Biography

Henri Iglésis, an internationally renowned sculptor of Catalan origin, was born in Perpignan, France, in 1964. The grandson of a blacksmith and the son of a machinist, he spent his childhood surrounded by metal workshops. Inspired by his parents’ craftsmanship, he chose to carry on the tradition by training in metalworking. He works with sheet metal and welding. After graduating as a metalworker in 1981, he continued to create various metal objects alongside his professional work.

In 2008, he created a statue for his son using a process he invented called “blown metal.” With this technique, the artist injects air into the core of a welded metal structure. Henri Iglésis officially holds the intellectual rights to this process. From that moment on, the talented craftsman devoted himself to producing works that allowed him to refine and develop this unique technique. He gradually turned toward sculpture, achieving the remarkable feat of making a sheet of metal expressive and full of life.

Playing with contrasts, the sculptor enjoys opposing the heaviness of metal with the lightness of air. In the years that followed, he created his signature character: Petit Bonhomme. This joyful figure is inspired by the silhouette of Alsatian brioches or gingerbread biscuits traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season.

Firmly anchored to its steel base, the small three-dimensional character resembles a helium balloon ready to float away. With its playful expression, Petit Bonhomme invites us to rediscover our inner child. Each of the artist’s lacquered sculptures is handmade and therefore unique. Galerie 203 offers them in orange, red, or blue. Some sculptures feature a matte finish, while others are coated with a glossy lacquer.

How can anyone resist this Petit Bonhomme, guaranteed to bring a smile to its surroundings?