Inside Artists | Issue 7

68 ARTIST PROFILE DAVID VANORBEEK

David Vanorbeek

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true affinity to the metal with which he creates his dynamic sculptures is at the heart of David Vanorbeek’s work. Based in South-West France, Vanorbeek is a selftaught artist and has been creating sculptures professionally since the late 90s. Insects were originally the main focus of his work, acting as his muse as he recreated the beauty found in the tiny and delicate yet powerful creatures; mirroring his fascination with the small intricate details of metal. Although still inspired by the natural world, the sculptor’s more recent works are monumental and abstract in style, taking the form of giant geometric structures, origami-esque silhouettes

Mégalo X, 2013, welded recycled metal 350 x 350 x 350 cm

and inventive combinations of shape and texture, letting the metal speak for itself as he cuts, welds and constructs the pieces. Recycling is a key theme tying together all of Vanorbeek’s works, and the sourcing of discarded and abandoned metal is all part of his process. He states that the great joy in his work comes from being able to turn something considered worthless into the artwork it becomes. Vanorbeek has shown his work across Europe, and has many pieces on display in several public spaces. Recent shows include Biennale Ile d'Orléon, France in 2016, and Andorra Land Art Biennale in 2015. vanorbeek.com davidvanorbeek@gmail.com

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Inside Artists | Issue 7

Published on Nov 30, 2016

Inside Artists

Embracing a balance between the old and new has led to many of the artists in this issue pushing the boundaries of contemporary art both visually and through their choice of subject matter, and through their techniques, process and mediums too. Cover artist Iva Troj draws on Flemish painting methods to create her intricate paintings, layering thin veneers of paint between layers of varnish; a technique which she has used throughout her training and career, combining her established approach with modern motifs. Meanwhile Kuniko Maeda is trained in traditional Japanese wood-carving techniques, and while this gives her sculptural pieces a solid base and sense of history, it is her use of cutting-edge technology that brings a freshness and sophistication to the aesthetics of her work. Of course there will always be a place for the tradition and history in the art world, but it is exciting to ponder where the future of technology will take us.