Brutalist Sculpture

“Brutalism” in the art world is often used to define a particular movement beginning in the late 1950s, as a reaction against the nostalgia and decorative nature of architecture in the 1940s. It represents a utilitarian aesthetic that shuns decoration in favor of exposing and celebrating the raw materials used to construct the design. The pure celebration of materials showcased how it was made, as expressed in bare building materials, exposed structural elements, and monochrome color palettes.

As architectural tastes evolved, the arts evolved as well. This is especially true with sculpture. One of the more popular and sought after artists is Curtis Jeré, which is in reality a pseudonym combining the names of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. They were brothers-in-law, and co-founded the company Artisan House, which aspired to create “gallery-quality art for the masses.” The studio was not only influential, it inspired a host of other studios and artists that capitalized on Jeré’s popularity.

In addition to brass, copper and bronze elements, this genre of sculpture also incorporated other materials such as wood and stone. The organic, textural aesthetic of these works is a beautiful expression of a time when technological developments were rapidly evolving. A return to work of the hand is something that we can look upon with admiration and a smile!