Conrad Shawcross

Conrad Shawcross, RA, was born in 1977 in London, where he currently lives and works.

Imbued with an appearance of scientific rationality, Conrad Shawcross’ sculptures explore subjects that lie on the borders of geometry and philosophy, physics and metaphysics. Inspired by various technologies, the artist’s work may retain in appearance the authority of machinery – yet, it remains enigmatic, filled with paradox and wonder. Some works have an absurdist melancholy feel, while others tend towards the sublime, substituting the purely functional for phenomenological experience. Ultimately, Shawcross’ art questions what we take for granted and encourages us to see beyond the physical.

Throughout his career, Shawcross has experimented with ideal geometries and topologies; these constructions are conceived as systems, sometimes modular, sometimes mechanical, which could be theoretically extended infinitely into space. In these and other sculptures, Shawcross has paid tribute to some of the great pioneers and analysts, and considered specific moments or figures from the past. A further evolution of Shawcross’ practice has seen the development of static works that contain both an internal dynamic and an idea movement. In tandem, the artist has developed the scale of his practice, taking on architectural and public space with work that combines epic scope and poetic grace.