Colorful geometric sculpture titled “July” made from reclaimed wood by artist damien hoar de galván.

Damien Hoar de Galvan Transforms 362 Reclaimed Wood Scraps into Artful Daily Sculptures

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-08-24

At the dawn of 2024, artist Damien Hoar de Galvan began a disciplined journey, crafting a small wood sculpture every day from his home studio in Milton, near Boston. his intention was to change up how he was making things, streamline his creative process, and. His goal was simple: fashion a daily assemblage from reclaimed wood, letting intuition guide his artistry.

Embarking on a Journey with Damien Hoar de Galvan

“I thought it would be a good way to change up how I was making things,” Hoar de Galvan shares. Embracing spontaneity, he rarely sketched before constructing, allowing the shapes and colors to dictate the final form. This organic approach mirrored life’s unexpected twists, capturing fleeting moments in tangible form.

Hoar de Galvan initially had no exhibition plans and was focused solely on the creative process. However, a chance visit from ICA Boston curator Tessa Bachi Haas changed that. He was inspired to showcase his work and later received the prestigious 2025 James and Audrey Foster Prize, which included an exhibition opportunity.

The entire collection, aptly named I don’t think I’m ever gonna figure it out, was presented atop shelves at the museum. Inspired by an Elliot Smith song, the exhibit featured vibrant wood fragments arranged in striking geometries, resembling a three-dimensional puzzle. Together, the 362 sculptures—the sum of a leap year’s near-complete cycle—embodied a year of meticulous devotion and fertile creativity.

Mixed media sculptures on display in a gallery setting with plain white walls.
Installation view, 2025 James and Audrey Foster Prize, ICA/Boston (2025). Photo by Mel Taing

Each piece, though petite, represented a diary entry in sculpture form, chronicling his journey of perseverance and invention. “There were some invisible connections running through them all,” Hoar de Galvan reflects, highlighting the unity within variety. Some concepts surfaced too late for the day’s piece, but they gestured toward future projects, linking each creation.

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Currently, Hoar de Galvan’s work is set to feature at Tokyo’s Gallery Side2 and Boston’s Gallery Naga, where he is represented. For those eager to witness the evolution of his artistry, follow him on Instagram, where his latest sculptures are regularly showcased.

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Abstract wooden sculpture with varied shapes called “Random Rules” on a plain background.
“Random Rules”
Gallery exhibition showing abstract sculptures mounted on pedestals, white walls surrounding.
Installation view, 2025 James and Audrey Foster Prize, ICA/Boston (2025). Photo by Mel Taing
Detailed sculpture “Dancing in the Club” with intricate wood, paint, and mirror elements.
“Dancing in the Club” (2026), wood, paint, mirror, ink, pencil, glue, 18.5 x 10.5 x 4 inches
Sculpture named “Internal Dialogue” featuring layered wood and freeform shapes.
“Internal Dialogue”
Three-dimensional artwork titled “Ride into the Sun” with vivid colors and irregular forms.
“Ride into the Sun”
Roughly-hewn abstract sculpture called “Opinions” with colorful painted wood elements.
“Opinions”

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

Who inspired Damien Hoar de Galvan to showcase his work?

A chance visit from ICA Boston curator Tessa Bachi Haas inspired him to showcase his work.

What is the name of Damien Hoar de Galvan’s exhibition?

The exhibition is called ‘I don’t think I’m ever gonna figure it out,’ inspired by an Elliot Smith song.

Where can Damien Hoar de Galvan’s work be seen?

His work is set to feature at Tokyo’s Gallery Side2 and Boston’s Gallery Naga.