Bronze Fine Arts and Art Installation Design · 2020
Conflict Sculpture
by Marc Kelly
- A' Design Award 2020 Bronze Winner in Fine Arts and Art Installation Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Marc Kelly Sculpture
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 13,554
- Verification code 53EC674499 · Verify this award
About Conflict Sculpture
Conflict is a stone sculpture made from Carrara marble and Kilkenny limestone. The white marble and the dark limestone are joined so that their contrasting colours meet along carved contours. The limestone base is shaped to receive the form of the marble, and the earthen colour of the base is revealed at the point of contact. Where the marble form is cut, a square edged inner section appears. The forms were cut and polished with grinders, and selected areas were carved by hand. The sculpture measures 54 cm high, 44 cm wide and 20 cm deep.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This sculpture has bold properties seen through line, tone and texture, it is also aesthetically very appealing. The strong contrast of colours between the 2 stone forms reels the eye closer for inspection. Upon closer viewing the contrasting tones of the mediums is executed brilliantly through textures which change dramatically where the various forms meet. The Irish Limestone base earthen colour is revealed where the contour of the beautiful Carrara Marble's form collide with it. At the point where the Carrara's shape is dissected it reveals an inner square edged secret, providing us with the knowledge a darker beauty lies within.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 54cm High x 44cm Wide x 20cm Deep (at base)
- Tags
- art, design, sculpture, stone, abstract, irish, contrast, marble, carved
- Production Technology
- Carrara Marble - (White), Kilkenny Limestone - (Dark). Hand carved textured areas, the forms are all grinder cut and polished with grinders.
- Design Challenge
- The challenge with sculptural work like this is marrying them togther successfully whilst allowing your voice to be heard throw the work. I wanted to convey a strong sense of emotional conflict here through the colours, form and techniques used. The creative/ technical challenge is ever present to also ensure the work as by my own wish that it is aesthically pleasing as much as thought evoking.
- Project Duration
- Made in 2017
- Operation Flow
- The work is an evocative piece, designed and made to be aesthetically appealing while being a striking/ moving sculpture. When viewed under lights the contrasting colours and sharp form evokes the senses. The technical execution on sculpture has been expertly carried out by the artist.
- Research
- Research for this work was conducted initially with medium studies to see what materials suited the concept best while revealing strong striking colours that speak the artists mind aloud.
Studies of various carving/ sculpting techniques were also carried out from past masters, also seen in buildings and books every. I tried to use these techniques to convey emotions also in the Marble and Limestone.
The political and emotional senses were present and used to merge these mediums together through form and technical skill. - Inspiration
- This work is inspired by the political landscape and environment in which the artist grew up in. Born just 2 kilometers from the Irish border the harsh realities of the 1980's and 1990's are bore here - a moment of conflict captured through colour and form speaking volumes of the torn senseless sadness seen in that region for many decades. The religious divide and separation revealed through bold contrasting colour and form.
- Image Credits
- Gabriel Murphy
Colors of Conflict Sculpture
Design Interview about Conflict Sculpture
Conflict expresses containment, imprisonment, a form in stark contrast to the that which surrounds it. Equally as beautiful and boldly expressing itself through sharp line and texture. The true identity of the mediums are revealed through their born colours and forms.
I wanted to capture a moment in time - to speak of those communities and people who are singled out and rounded upon for their personal beliefs religious or otherwise. Growing up along the conflict zone which was the Irish border I wanted that conflict to be conveyed subtly through the stone, the design, the colours and textures.
I hope to exhibit this design throughout 2020-2021
I designed this sculpture as a personal reflection on my life - a journal diary entry!
I plan to sell this sculpture in time as a one off bespoke piece.
A love for these stone types and how they could convey my emotions best
No designer in particular but design in general
strong form, sharp lines, textures, colour, tones and technical ability
Conflict speaks of a past time in Irish history
Pencil on paper before transferring these onto the stones where the design was further developed.
Stone suppliers, stone polishers to perfect the base
Technology was very important in sculpting the piece with power tools before hand carving techniques were introduced to complete it.
The design was not influenced by any analytical research other than my desire to express my own thoughts through design in stone.
dealing with perfect forms on natural materials poses its own risks and problems when being sculpted by hand. Realising your concepts through design where it will capture the imagination of others is always the challenge but I was very happy it was achieved through the many techniques and forms in play.
I always felt this was a very strong piece of work, I was confident it had the chance to be recognised at the highest level.
I learned a lot about how many ways exist to express yourself with stone as the medium of choice once a great design has been realised.