Scrap metal in the ordinary sense is something very far from aesthetics. A rusty mixture of pieces of metal, wires, electric motors, and other products chaotically piled on piles or immersed in wagons. However, the feature of modern art is its unpredictability. And rather a widespread phenomenon became the manufacturing of sculptures from scrap metal. About how artists find inspiration in the old iron, we will talk in this article.
Scrap metal as a source of inspiration
This kind of art was born at the reception points for scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metals in Europe, where from boredom the reception operators began to pick up different elements and make sculptures out of them. Later on, this trend attracted eminent artists and sculptors, and the price of particularly successful compositions made of scrap can now be measured in tens of thousands of dollars.
Among the main types of sculptures can be distinguished:
Figures made of wire. The most popular and popular variant. A framework is made of thick and sufficiently hardwire, after which the body of the product is made of softer types of wire. There are all kinds of shapes: from the figure of a bird to the ship’s hull. Often such products are complemented by decorative details found there, among the waste.
Welded figures from machine parts. Sculptures that are assembled from old bearings, various parts and functional elements of disassembled locomotives, machines and other equipment look very atmospheric and bright. Masters use electric welding to fix the parts and give them the desired shape.
Constructions made of flat sheets. This type of steel is a very common “guest” in landfills, as sheet steel is widely used for decoration of bodies and in construction. It can be used to cut out various shapes, form unusual contours, etc.
Combined forms. The above three approaches are key tools, but in real sculptures, these elements are actively intertwined and combined. In particular, the base of sheet steel can be complemented by a welded construction of some outdated details, and as decor can be used wire figure.
Is it art?
Modern art is a controversial phenomenon in general, and one of the favorite topics for debate among art historians is the question “Is it art? About sculptures made of scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metals we can say with certainty: this is original, unusual and very refined art, which allows you to get unexpected images and original forms. And the use of secondary resources further emphasizes the motive of care for the environment.
Metal art by James Corbett
Many believe that contemporary art is mired in endless quotations and metaphors, and often the artist himself cannot clearly explain the concept of this or that project. None of this applies to the work of an Australian sculptor named James Corbett. He creates his sculptures from car parts selected from a dumpsite. The animal figurines made by the master look quite realistic and sometimes funny.
Amazing works in steel by David Madero
