Steel
Definition
This term refers to a strong, durable metal alloy made primarily of iron and carbon, used extensively in modern and contemporary sculpture and architecture. Steel can be welded, forged, or cast into a wide range of forms, making it a popular material for both large-scale public art and intricate, detailed works.
History
Steel became a prominent material in art during the 20th century, particularly in the Minimalist and Modernist movements. Artists like Richard Serra and David Smith have used steel to create works that explore the relationship between form, space, and viewer, often emphasizing the material's industrial origins and structural properties.
Notable Examples
Richard Serra
Tilted Arc, 1981
David Smith
Cubi XVIII, 1964
David Smith
Cubi XXVII, 1965
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Richard Serra, whose monumental steel sculpture Tilted Arc was a highly controversial public art installation that challenged perceptions of space and architecture, and David Smith, a pioneering modernist sculptor whose Cubiseries uses stainless steel to explore geometric forms and the interplay of light and surface.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the use of welding, forging, cutting, and bending steel to create sculptures and architectural elements. Artists may work with various types of steel, including stainless steel, corten steel, and carbon steel, each offering different properties in terms of strength, durability, and aesthetic appearance. The use of steel in art often emphasizes its industrial origins, making it a powerful material for both abstract and representational works.
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