NEW YORK (SOHO), NEW YORK

Sorrel Sky Gallery Announces Landmark New York Debut of Internationally Acclaimed French Master Michel Bassompierre

Following Triumphant Park Avenue Installation, Renowned Animal Sculptor Brings Museum-Quality Bronze and Marble Works to SoHo Gallery Space.

September, 2025

NEW YORK, NY — Sorrel Sky Gallery is proud to announce the highly anticipated New York gallery debut of Michel Bassompierre, one of Europe's most celebrated contemporary sculptors, whose monumental "Fragile Giants" exhibition currently graces Park Avenue from 34th to 38th Streets. This exclusive SoHo presentation at Sorrel Sky Gallery, 419 West Broadway, New York, NY, marks the first opportunity for collectors and connoisseurs to experience Bassompierre's extraordinary animal sculptures in an intimate gallery setting.

Fresh from his triumphant public art installation that has captivated Manhattan since May, Bassompierre brings his signature mastery to Sorrel Sky's SoHo location with an unprecedented collection of bronze and Carrara marble sculptures. The exhibition features the artist's most coveted works—Asian elephants, gorillas, polar bears, and horses—each embodying his revolutionary approach to animal sculpture that has earned international acclaim and prestigious awards, including the François Pompon Prize.

"Bassompierre gets rid of the anecdote to go to the essential: a pure form, delicate curves, an enveloping light which underlines the roundness of the masses from which emanate tenderness and poetry," notes gallery owner Shanan Campbell. "His work represents a profound evolution in contemporary animal sculpture, combining technical mastery with emotional resonance that speaks to our urgent need to reconnect with the natural world."

Trained in the prestigious studio of René Leleu at the École des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, Bassompierre has spent five decades perfecting his ability to capture what he calls "the spirit of his animal brothers." His sculptures transcend mere representation, achieving a spiritual quality that positions wildlife as both magnificent and infinitely fragile—a message particularly resonant in today's environmental climate.

The artist's New York presence has been nothing short of revelatory. His Park Avenue installation, supported by The Patrons of Park Avenue and the City of New York, has drawn thousands of viewers daily, creating unprecedented public engagement with contemporary sculpture. Art critics have praised Bassompierre's ability to transform urban space into a contemplative sanctuary, where his gentle giants invite viewers to pause and reconnect with nature's profound beauty.

"We need to create wonder. This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it," Bassompierre explains of his mission. This philosophy infuses every curve and surface of his sculptures, where light flows seamlessly across bronze and marble forms that seem to breathe with life.

Bassompierre's international stature has been cemented through exhibitions across Europe's premier galleries and museums, with his works held in prestigious private and institutional collections worldwide. His numerous accolades include the Special Prize of the Society of Animal Artists (2018), Gold Medal of the French Artists Fair in Paris (1998), and multiple Grand Prix recognitions.

The Sorrel Sky Gallery provides a singular opportunity to acquire works by an artist whose public installations have redefined how contemporary sculpture engages with urban environments. Each piece in the exhibition reflects Bassompierre's unparalleled ability to distill the essence of wildlife into forms that are simultaneously monumental and intimate, powerful and tender.

About Sorrel Sky Gallery

The forward-thinking approach to the art world at Sorrel Sky Gallery pairs a distinctive collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry with an unparalleled client experience. The gallery represents several acclaimed artists, including Star Liana York, Thom Ross, Ben Nighthorse, and David Yarrow. Since opening, Sorrel Sky Gallery has captured state, regional, and national attention with its commitment to diverse artistic narratives and client relationships.

High-resolution images are available upon request.

Gallery Locations:
Durango, CO: 828 Main Avenue
Santa Fe, NM: 125 West Palace Avenue
SoHo, NY: 419 West Broadway
East Hampton, NY: 58 Park Place