Marie Ackers

I am trying to go beyond realism and tradition to capture a contemporary work that capture the essence of the subject and speak to the soul.
Some of the works also start to deep into abstraction, moving away more from reality to leave space for feelings and dreams.
Marie Ackers (b. 1968, Paris) is a renowned French-born sculptor celebrated for her contemporary interpretations of animal forms. Currently based in the United Kingdom, Ackers is recognized for her minimalist bronze sculptures of horses, dogs, and wildlife, which capture both the physical dynamism and inner spirit of her subjects.
 
Marie began her artistic journey inspired by the 19th-century French Animaliers, including Pierre-Jules Mêne and Antoine-Louis Barye, whose attention to anatomical precision and the vitality of animals left a lasting impression. Over time, she developed her own distinct, modernist style, deconstructing animal movement into simplified lines, elegant contours, and essential forms.
 
Her work also reflects the influence of Constantin Brâncuși, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and François Pompon, all of whom explored the balance between abstraction and representation. In her hands, bronze becomes a medium of graceful minimalism, offering timeless depictions of strength, agility, and serenity.
 
Ackers' sculptures are often small to mid-scale bronzes that evoke the power and purity of wildlife while eschewing excessive detail. Horses, dogs, and other wildlife remain central to her oeuvre, reflecting her deep understanding of anatomy, movement, and emotional presence.
 
Through simplification and reduction, she achieves a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where each curve and angle conveys energy and elegance.
 
Marie Ackers' sculptures have been exhibited internationally and collected by art enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados for their ability to transcend realism, providing a contemporary lens on animal sculpture. Her commitment to refined form and motion continues to define her as a leading figure in modern animalier art, bridging the heritage of classical sculpture with innovative, minimalist aesthetics.