“Janus Fleuri,” a Surrealist bronze sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, was created in the United States in 1968. As a notable piece within the Surrealism art movement, the sculpture distinctly exemplifies the genre through its evocative and abstract representation.
The artwork features a complex and intricate form, with organic, bulbous shapes that seem to merge and twist together. The bronze material lends a robust and enduring quality to the piece, while also providing a certain weight and gravity. The sculpture hangs suspended, which contributes to its dynamic and somewhat enigmatic presence. The merging shapes and textures suggest a blend of the biological and the abstract, provoking a contemplative response from the viewer. The title, “Janus Fleuri,” alludes to the ancient Roman god Janus, known for his two faces looking to the future and the past, adding layers of meaning to the piece. The work’s tactile bronze surface and ambiguous forms invite various interpretations, consistent with the Surrealist intent to challenge perceptions and evoke the subconscious.
