Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Beyond the body: Antony Gormley’s abstract sculptures as portals to the human experience

Antony Gormley’s sculptures are not merely figures; they are profound explorations of human existence in relation to space. Gormley, a British sculptor known for his monumental works like the Angel of the North, has a unique way of using the human form to spark a dialogue with the world around us. Often cast from his own body, his sculptures stand tall in both galleries and public spaces, prompting us to contemplate their own place in the universe.

Gormley’s creative process is as intriguing as the final pieces themselves. He has been known to use unconventional materials like bread to create molds, and his sculptures often push the boundaries of scale. One of his most famous works, the Angel of the North, stands a staggering 65 feet tall, forever gazing out over the English countryside. Gormley’s work has also sparked controversy, with some critics finding his sculptures to be overly imposing or even suggestive. However, there is no denying the power of his art to evoke emotion and inspire conversation.

Gormley’s sculptures are more than just impressive feats of engineering; they are portals to the human experience. By using the human form as a universal symbol, Gormley invites viewers to confront their own vulnerabilities, strengths, and place in the world. His work is a testament to the enduring power of art to challenge us, inspire us, and help us to see ourselves anew.

More info: Website, Instagram.

Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (9)
Prop, 2019, 80 mm weathering steel slab. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (11)
Divided States: Supplicate I, 2006, mild steel blocks. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (14)
Pile I, 2017, clay. Photograph by Stephen White, London.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (18)
Bearing I, 1987, lead, fibreglass, plaster and air. Berardo Collection, Lisbon, Portugal.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (1)
Test: Buttress, 2021, cast iron. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (3)
Three Ways: Mould Hole And Passage, 1981, lead, fibreglass and plaster. Tate Collection, London, England. Installation view, Tate Gallery, London, 2000. Photograph courtesy of Tate.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (23)
Angel of the North, 1998, steel. Permanent installation, Gateshead, England. Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, Gateshead, England. Photograph by Colin Cuthbert, Newcastle.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (22)
Knot II, 2010, cast iron. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (21)
Cotch XI, 2013, 4 mm square section stainless steel bar. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (20)
Stand, 2023, Corten steel. Photo © White Cube (Theo Christelis).
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (6)
Capacitor, 2001, mild steel tubes: 12 mm (i/d), mild steel rod: 5mm × various lengths, body-form: 190 × 48 × 35 cm, fully extended work: 271 × 242 × 229 cm. Photograph by Stephen White, London.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (19)
Flesh, 1990, concrete. Photograph by David Ward, London.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (5)
Turn II, 2008, cast iron. Photograph by Stephen White, London.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (17)
Loop, 2021, cast iron. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (2)
Lost Subject I, 1994, lead, fibreglass and air. Collection of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (1)
Grasp II (Block), 2019, cast iron. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (24)
Home And The World, 1986, lead, fibreglass, wood, plaster and air.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (4)
Inside Australia, 2003, cast alloy of iron, molybdenum, iridium, vanadium and titanium, 51 elements based on 51 inhabitants of Menzies, Western Australia.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (16)
Mean II, 2013, cast iron. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (15)
Critical Mass II, 1995, cast iron, 60 life-size elements; variable sizes. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (13)
Big Bare, 2023, cast iron. Photograph by Stephen White & Co.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (12)
Grip, 2014, cast iron. Photograph by Clare Richardson, courtesy White Cube.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (10)
Bed, 1980-81, bread and wax. Tate Collection, London, England.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (8)
Exposure And Instrument, 1988, lead, fibreglass, air and alabaster, 30.5 × 30.5 × 30.5 cm, 2 egg/testicles: each 5 cm × 3.3 cm diameter, lead and fibreglass, 30.5 × 30.5 × 30.5 cm. Photograph by David Ward, London.
Antony Gormley's Abstract Figurative Sculptures (7)
Drawn, 2000/2007, cast iron, 8 elements. Installation view, White Cube, London, England. Photograph by Stephen White, London.
Leandro Lima
Leandro Limahttps://visualflood.com
CEO-founder of Visualflood. A Brazilian fine art photographer, among other things, who loves visual arts, nature, science, and innovative technologies.

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