John Spielman is recognized as an important figure in contemporary wood sculpture, known for his precise craftsmanship and refined exploration of balance, form, and material integrity. The wooden sculpture Counterbalance, presented at King’s Gallery Jerusalem, offers a clear example of Spielman’s approach to sculptural structure.
To begin with, Counterbalance demonstrates Spielman’s sustained interest in equilibrium and controlled tension. Rather than relying on mass or monumentality, the artist constructs balance through proportion and calculated asymmetry. The sculpture’s vertical form narrows at its center and expands at both ends, creating a visual dialogue between stability and apparent fragility. As a result, the work invites close observation, encouraging the viewer to consider how weight distributes itself through carefully shaped wooden volumes.
Wood
In addition, Spielman’s choice of wood plays a central role in the sculpture’s meaning. He treats the material not merely as a medium but as an active contributor to form and structure. The visible grain enhances the sculpture’s organic presence while simultaneously emphasizing its engineered precision. Moreover, the smooth surface and controlled curves reflect a disciplined carving process that aligns with traditions of modernist abstraction while remaining firmly grounded in material awareness.
Furthermore, the sculpture’s placement on a contrasting base reinforces its conceptual framework. The base functions not as a neutral support but as a stabilizing element that heightens the perception of balance above it. Consequently, the work operates within a subtle tension between grounded support and elevated form, a recurring theme in Spielman’s practice. This relationship underscores the artist’s broader investigation into how sculptural objects occupy space and assert physical presence without excess.
Balance
From an art historical perspective, Counterbalance aligns with a lineage of twentieth- and twenty-first-century sculptors who prioritize form, structure, and material clarity over narrative content. At the same time, Spielman avoids rigid formalism by allowing the natural qualities of wood to remain visible and integral to the final composition. This balance between control and organic variation gives the sculpture both intellectual coherence and visual warmth.
Importantly, Counterbalance offers collectors and institutions a rare opportunity to acquire a carefully resolved example of John Spielman’s sculptural language. Available through King’s Gallery Jerusalem, the work combines technical mastery with conceptual restraint, making it suitable for both private collections and curated architectural settings. Through its measured construction and material precision, the sculpture reflects a mature artistic vision that continues to resonate within contemporary sculptural discourse.
Our collection
Kings Gallery is a leading fine art gallery established in Jerusalem in 1995. We strive to collect and sell the highest quality historic and contemporary Israeli and International art. The gallery specializes primarily in artists from the early period of the 1920’s. Besides, Kings Gallery features leading up-and-coming young artists who will definitely be prominent names in the next few years.
