Bust of Lion, Youngster to his Right
Jürgen Lingl-Rebetez (b. 1971) is an internationally renowned sculptor celebrated for his expressive and dynamic wood sculptures. From an early age, Lingl showed a profound interest in art, dedicating himself to drawing and painting animals, people, buildings, and landscapes that captured his imagination.
At the age of 20, after graduating from Josef-Effner Grammar School in Dachau, Lingl held his first gallery exhibition, showcasing studies of nudes created using various techniques. After completing his mandatory civil service in Schönbrunn, he began a wood sculpting apprenticeship under Master Hans-Joachim Seitfudem. His exceptional talent quickly gained recognition: his graduation piece won first prize in both Munich and Bavaria, and second place nationwide.
In 1996, Lingl moved to Switzerland and began his career as an independent artist. It was during this time that he embraced the chainsaw as his primary tool, transforming his approach to wood sculpture. His classical training gave him a strong foundation, allowing him the technical freedom to explore a vast range of subjects, from religious figures and monuments to nudes and animals. In 1999, Lingl relocated to France, where he continues to live and work.
Lingl’s signature style is immediately recognizable in the vitality and movement that radiates from his works. His sculptures resemble three-dimensional drawings, "sketched" with a chainsaw to create vibrant, impressionistic surfaces. He often enhances his pieces with color and pencil, adding depth and a painterly quality to his creations.
Jürgen Lingl’s work has found a home in both private and public collections around the world, including in Europe, the United States, Canada, Russia, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. His ability to infuse wood with such energy and emotion has established him as a leading figure in contemporary sculpture, earning admiration from art lovers and collectors globally.