Biography

Imbued with an appearance of scientific rationality, Conrad Shawcross’ (b. 1977) sculptures explore subjects that lie on the borders of geometry and philosophy, physics and metaphysics.  Inspired by different technologies, the artist's structures may retain in appearance the authority of machines - yet, they remain enigmatic, filled with paradox and wonder.  Some have an absurdist melancholy feel, while others tend to the sublime, substituting the purely functional for phenomenological experience. 

 

In his work, Shawcross has paid tribute to some of the great pioneers and analysts, and considered specific moments or figures from the past.  In the end, Shawcross’ art questions what we take for granted and encourages us to see beyond the physical. 

 

Shawcross has completed a number of major public commissions across the world, including Paradigm outside the Francis Crick Institute in London and the 18-metre tall Exploded Paradigm inside the atrium of the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia. He has exhibited at institutions across the world, including Palais de Tokyo in Paris, Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, Wadsworth Atheneum in Connecticut, USA, the National Gallery in London, and ARTMIA in Beijing. He is represented by Victoria Miro in London and Tucci Russo in Italy.

Works
  • Fracture (R4A21)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Fracture (R4A21), 2020
    Anodised aluminium
    390 x 114 x 129 cm
  • Fracture (R4A22)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Fracture (R4A22) , 2020
    Anodised aluminium
    390 x 114 x 129 cm
  • Paradigm Optic
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm Optic, 201˙7
    Stainless steel
    332 x 100 x 96 cm
    Edition of 3 plus 2 artist's proofs
  • Paradigm - B (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm - B (Solid), 2019
    Weathering steel
    402.2 x 120.3 x 133.7 cm
  • Paradigm - B Chamfer (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm - B Chamfer (Solid), 2019
    Weathering steel
    401 x 103 x 113 cm
    Edition of 3 plus 2 artist's proofs
  • Paradigm - B Chamfer (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm - B Chamfer (Solid), 2019
    Weathering steel
    401 x 103 x 113 cm
  • Paradigm – B (Structural)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm – B (Structural), 2019
    Weathering steel
    402 x 120 x 133 cm
    Edition of 3 plus 2 artist's proofs
  • Paradigm - B (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm - B (Solid), 2018
    Weathering steel
    142 x 47.5 x 47.5 cm
  • Paradigm - B (Structural)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm - B (Structural), 2018
    Weathering steel
    401 x 103 x 113 cm
  • Study for Exploded Paradigm (Philadelphia)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Study for Exploded Paradigm (Philadelphia), 2018
    Mirrored steel
    320 x 96 x 96 cm
    Edition of 3 plus 2 artist's proofs
  • Paradigm Slender 2 (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm Slender 2 (Solid), 2017
    Weathering steel
    Height without plinth: 128.5 x 41 x 41 cm
    Square base: 46.5 x 46.5 cm
  • Paradigm Chamfer (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm Chamfer (Solid), 2016
    Weathering steel
    Height without plinth: 200 cm
    Base plate: 76 x 76 cm
    Concrete base: 13.5 x 82.5 x 82.5 cm
  • Paradigm Slender (Structural)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm Slender (Structural), 2016
    Weathering steel
    Height without plinth: 240 cm
    Concrete base: 13.5 x 83 x 83 cm
  • Paradigm Broad (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm Broad (Solid), 2015-2016
    Weathering steel
    Height without plinth: 227.5 cm
    Square base: 88.5 x 88.5 cm
  • Paradigm (Solid)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm (Solid), 2015
    Weathering steel
    Height without plinth: 232 cm
    Square base: 82.5 x 82.5 cm
  • Paradigm (Structural)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm (Structural), 2015
    Weathering steel
    Height without plinth: 230 cm
    Concrete base: 13.5 x 83 x 83 cm
  • Paradigm Broad (Structural)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm Broad (Structural), 2015
    Weathering steel
    Height without plinth: 261.5 cm
    Square base: 88.5 x 88.5 cm
  • Paradigm Chamfer (Structural)
    Conrad SHAWCROSS
    Paradigm Chamfer (Structural), 2015
    Weathering steel
    Height without base: 200 cm
    Square base: 70 x 70 cm
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