"I like to observe people. The most fascinating moments are those when they are unaware of being watched. These private and introverted moments evoke a feeling of vulnerability in me. As a sculptor I want to freeze these unadorned moments in time. I choose to work with wood because it is an honest material. With all its veins, cracks and knots it shows the influence of life, the beautiful but also the less beautiful sides. This material, with a history of its own, in combination with the tranquility of the people I portray, moves me and this emotion is what I want to capture in my sculptures."

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The sculpture "SENNE" is nominated for the NEDERLANDSE PORTRETPRIJS 2025 (Dutch Portret price)

Combining my work as a director and scriptwriter with sculpting is for me the perfect balance between working with my head and with my hands: catching feelings in moving images and liberating ideas from trunks of wood.

Since 1996 Boris Paval Conen combines his work as a filmmaker with sculpting.
As film director and scriptwriter, he made a name with his socially and politically engaged television films as “Exit” and “Camp Holland”.
He won several national and international awards.
For more information see: www.borispavalconen.com"

Photo by Thomas Jeninga