Paul Wegner Dizzy Louis Handy Bronze 30" Signed Sculpture Music Blues Jazz 26k Retail

Artist: Paul Wegner
Title: Dizzy Louis Handy
Medium: Cold Painted Bronze Sculpture
Size: 30" x 29" x 19"
Year: 1995
Edition size: 50
Inscription: Etched Signature and Edition Number by the Artist
Documentation: Gallery Certificate of authenticity included

Paul Wegner's Dizzy Louis Handy is a striking cold-painted bronze sculpture that masterfully captures the vibrant energy of three jazz legends — Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, and John Handy.

This 1995 sculpture exemplifies Wegner's groundbreaking technique of "fragmentation", a style he developed early in his career that deconstructs and reassembles form to emphasize movement, personality, and expression. By fragmenting the figures and instruments, Wegner achieves a sense of rhythm and improvisation akin to the very essence of jazz music. The three figures seemingly emerge from a unified base, their fragmented forms intertwined in a celebration of harmony and individuality, much like a jazz ensemble in full swing.

Wegner's use of cold-painted bronze enhances the visual and textural appeal of Dizzy Louis Handy, with intricate details that highlight the expressive faces and instruments of the musicians. This meticulous craftsmanship mirrors the dedication and artistry found in jazz performance itself, while the sculpture's commanding size ensures it is a captivating centerpiece in any collection.

Measuring an impressive 30 inches high, 29 inches wide, and 19 inches deep, this dynamic work is as bold in scale as it is in artistic execution. Signed and numbered by the artist, this piece is part of a limited edition of 50 and includes a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity. The gallery retail value is listed at $26,000.

Whether viewed as a tribute to jazz or as a testament to Paul Wegner's innovative artistic style, Dizzy Louis Handy stands as a powerful work that merges music, motion, and modern artistry in a timeless celebration of cultural icons.

About Paul Wegner

Paul Wegner (b. 1949) is an American sculptor renowned for his innovative approach to figurative art, particularly his technique of "fragmentation", which redefines the boundaries of form and movement in sculpture. Born in Los Angeles, California, Wegner demonstrated an early passion for art, influenced by his exposure to diverse cultural and artistic traditions. This foundation provided the basis for his lifelong exploration of the human form, movement, and emotion, which are central themes in his work.

Wegner pursued formal training in art, attending the prestigious Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles, where he refined his skills in sculpture and developed a deep understanding of classical and contemporary techniques. His early work was heavily inspired by his fascination with the interplay of physicality and abstraction, a fascination that would later lead him to pioneer his distinctive style of fragmentation.

The concept of fragmentation—now synonymous with Wegner's name—was first developed in the early 1980s during his work on the Primitive Man project. This groundbreaking approach deconstructs traditional forms and reassembles them into dynamic, expressive compositions. By isolating key elements of his figures and re-imagining their relationships, Wegner creates works that convey motion, energy, and emotion, challenging viewers to engage with the piece from multiple perspectives. A reporter first coined the term “fragmentation” during an interview in Virginia, a term Wegner embraced to describe his artistic philosophy.

Wegner's sculptures often celebrate the vitality of human expression, drawing inspiration from music, dance, and nature. His ability to capture movement and personality in static forms has earned him widespread recognition. Many of his works feature cultural icons, such as jazz musicians and historical figures, rendered with a unique blend of realism and abstraction. His sculptures do not merely replicate his subjects but rather interpret their essence, creating a connection between the viewer and the narrative behind the piece.

Among Wegner's most notable works is the Dizzy Louis Handy sculpture, which pays homage to the legacy of jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, and John Handy. This 1995 piece exemplifies his fragmentation technique, with each figure fragmented and unified into a cohesive, dynamic composition. Standing 30 inches tall, the cold-painted bronze sculpture captures the spirit and improvisational energy of jazz, a recurring theme in Wegner's portfolio.

Over his career, Wegner's works have been exhibited in galleries and private collections worldwide. His sculptures are celebrated not only for their technical precision but also for their ability to evoke emotion and dialogue. As a limited-edition artist, Wegner creates pieces that are highly sought after by collectors, with works often associated with notable galleries such as Herndon Fine Art.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Wegner remains a devoted mentor and advocate for the arts. He has led workshops and lectures to inspire emerging artists and encourage experimentation with form and technique. His contributions to contemporary sculpture have cemented his reputation as a trailblazer, particularly in bridging the gap between realism and abstraction.

Paul Wegner continues to live and work in the United States, where he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. His sculptures stand as enduring tributes to the power of movement, storytelling, and innovation in the world of contemporary art.