Regardt Van Der Meulen’s steel sculptures are a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of time, memory, and mortality. His works, characterized by their fragmented forms, appear suspended in space, as if caught in the very act of disintegration. This visual representation of decay speaks to the transient nature of existence, challenging viewers to reflect on the impermanence of life and the inevitable passage of time. The Johannesburg-based artist uses the strength of steel to contrast with the fragility of human life, creating a powerful dichotomy that resonates with the observer. Each piece is meticulously crafted to represent the erosion of both the physical and the metaphysical, embodying the vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface of our perceived realities.
Van Der Meulen’s sculptures serve as metaphors for the human experience, where the solidity of the material world meets the fleetingness of life. The steel, often associated with permanence and resilience, is manipulated to convey a sense of movement and delicacy, echoing the artist’s fascination with the interconnectedness of our existence. As the metal forms seem to melt away, they invite introspection on the part of the viewer, prompting a confrontation with the fragility of their own being. Through his art, Van Der Meulen not only captures the essence of human vulnerability but also comments on the broader context of our environment and society, which, despite its facade of stability, is subject to change and decay.
My work is inspired by time, memory and mortality. I am intrigued by not only the decay of human life but also the erosion of our surroundings. Through all stages of birth, growth, fruition and death the inevitable element of decay and mortality is present. People habitually live with a misled sense of security, the illusion that our environment or civilisation is dependable and static. Often times the dangers and violence of the current world we live in interrupts and the illusion of safety is exposed. The sculptures are metaphors for not only the vulnerability of one’s physical body but also one’s emotional and mental state. I used steel as a medium which is usually associated with the impression of unmoving strength. I sculpted each figure in a way that creates the notion that they are incomplete, melting or being pulled apart, deconstructed by a force either from within or without.
Regardt Van Der Meulen
More info: Website, Facebook, Instagram.
