Steel Sculpture

Steel is a metal known for being easy to handle and shape. To shape it, it must be heated to a very high temperature. Its resistance to time is not in doubt and even more so if the steel is stainless. Generally, steel does not often rust, which is why many sculptors have used it for outdoor sculptures, especially for gardens and squares.

Steel sculpture began to become popular during the 20th century. Before that, sculptors were already using precious metals, but the industrial revolution made steel widely available throughout the Western world.

Today, contemporary artists appreciate the properties of steel, especially for creating monumental sculptures. How can we talk about steel without mentioning the artistic work of Richard Serra? This American sculptor who is associated with minimalism is known for his imposing sculptures in Corten steel. The artist applies a brush solution to these creations to give them a rusty appearance. This process allows him to control the corrosion of the works and to choose the color of them. Richard Serra offers a new vision of space, his sculptures participate in a subtle dialogue with the place where they are located. Serra plays with balance and the spectators have the possibility to circulate in the middle of his sculptural lines in steel.

Another master of steel sculpture is Alexander Calder, whose mobiles now occupy an important place in the history of sculpture and in the history of art in general. There is also César and his compressions, often made of steel or other metals.

Now, let's discover our shortlist of steel sculptures.