William Braithwaite

My work explores repetition, process, and form, often at the intersection of sculpture and architecture. I aim to create a dialogue between the two, blending influences from Modernism and Brutalism, architectural styles that emphasize powerful, minimalist forms. The repetitive, mundane shapes in these styles evolve through accumulation, becoming complex and visually engaging.

I build large-scale forms from concrete, a material with a timeless quality that enhances the work’s structural presence and longevity. Concrete’s subdued color allows the viewer to focus on the form and geometry, highlighting the subtle play between function and aesthetic. My works often appropriate architectural elements, reconfiguring them into hybrid forms that bridge the familiar and the abstract.

Creating on a large scale invites a bodily interaction with the work, which I believe is crucial when dealing with architecture-inspired sculptures. This approach allows the pieces to interact with various architectural environments, encouraging site-specific dialogues. Each piece inspires the next, contributing to a continuous exploration of form, material, and context.

Though my work may visually echo architecture, it remains purely sculptural and conceptual, rooted in art’s ability to interpret rather than serve. The scale, material, and form create a narrative that distinguishes it from architecture, allowing me to explore abstract relationships and the aesthetics of structure.