Sculpture is constantly evolving, with its definition widening as we move into an increasingly digital world. New technologies have provided different ways of making and exhibiting, from 3D printing to sculpting in virtual environments and more. These five artists, all from the Aesthetica Art Prize, take various approaches to the genre – presenting pieces that are organic, tactile and geometric, all at once.
Lisa Traxler, 2023
British artist Lisa Traxler explores the boundaries of 2D and 3D through space and form. The artist works across a range of media, including painting and sculpture, to create award-winning art that addresses an ongoing fascination with history and a sense of place, from an architectural perspective. A geometric focus is evident in juxtaposing sharp lines and fluid shapes. The natural development of her thought process is evident from her spatial configurations to the intricacy of colour. Shape Shifter is a “space painting” and suggests an evolution away from the wall into the places we inhabit. lisatraxler.com | @lisa.traxler
George Andric, 2023
Ellipses signify a pause in literature, often to build tension or omit words. The punctuation offers its name to George Andric’s large-scale stainless steel sculpture. The complexity of the shape becomes increasingly apparent as viewers move around the piece, studying it from every angle. Found in the environment, the spiral form appears like a vortex to another land, fragmenting the vista and blurring the boundaries between materiality and viewer. Andric’s sculptures combine geometry and repetition. The work reflects a fascination the relationship between the artwork and the audience. @georgeandricartist
Hagit Pincovici, 2022
Known previously for a rich colour palette, and a devotion to the geometric forms found in modern art, Hagit Pincovici has since turned her attention to botanical forms and striking landscape of her native Israel. Materiality has always played a strong role, from an initial focus on marble, brass and lacquer, to a more recent exploration of sandstone, aluminum and bronze. Her clean lines balance the use of “softer” materials, highlighting the relationship between the experimental and functional. @hagitpincovici_studio
Cathryn Shilling, 2021
Human interaction and movement are at the core of this work, which is derived from reality, performance and the infinite nuisances between them. Often the face we show to the world is a mask, but the language of the body is a very difficult thing to control and our true nature is often revealed despite our efforts to hide it from the world and each other. Through this work, Shilling explores the relationship between fabric and the human form. For Shilling, kiln-formed glass is an exciting and innovative material for making sculptures, which bridges the gap between fine art and craft. cathrynshilling.co.uk | @cathrynshilling
Karen Browning, 2021
A contrast of matte black glass and 24-carat gold leaf records a moment in time – the blasting energy from a rifle shot. The gold leaf bursts open as it records the phenomenon of one material passing through another. The piece is inspired by Browning’s childhood spent amongst rural landscapes, with days spent shooting targets and cans. The artist used her grandfather’s rifle – as well as bullets made by her father – to make the piece. In this way, it further references ideas of heritage, family and identity. Once the wax was shot, it was cast in glass, then gilded with 24-carat gold. glasslightspace.co.uk | @glasslightspace
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Image credits:
1. George Andric, Ellipsis, (2022). Stainless steel (316 grade). 200cm x 200cm x 74cm.
2. Lisa Traxler, Shape Shifter (A to C), (2022) Hand-painted acrylic on poplar ply. 257cm x 105cm x 120cm. Commissioned for the solo exhibition Time Traveller, Southampton City Art Gallery. Photo: Joe Low.
3. George Andric, Ellipsis, (2022). Stainless steel (316 grade). 200cm x 200cm x 74cm.
4. Hagit Pincovici, Growing (2019). Travertine and neon. 88cm x 7cm x 35cm.
5. Detail, Metamorphosis, (2020). Glass and 24 carat gold. 37 x 44 x 14cm.
6. Miss.Spent-Youth, (2019). Kiln cast black glass, 24 carat gold leaf. 25 x 11 x 9cm; 19 x 9 x 9cm; 18 x 11 x 9cm.
