Braham Stevens

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Stevens installing 'E M B R A C E' Performing Arts Precinct Cairns 2016 Sculpture IMG 9448.jpg
Stevens installing 'E M B R A C E' Performing Arts Precinct Cairns 2016
'S Y N T H E S I S' 2022 Synthesis 2022.jpg
'S Y N T H E S I S' 2022

Braham Stevens (born 1969) is an Australian sculptor whose work is influenced by networks of human activity, environmental processes and the intricate patterns found in nature and science.

Contents

He is best known for his site-specific large-scale National works of public art that are conceived to engage with their environments and surroundings, [1] such as Embrace Cairns performing arts precinct, [2] Reflection at James Cook University, [3] Drift Wellington Point Brisbane, [4] Into the Blue City of Rockingham Foreshore, Western Australia, [5] Guulbughul Reconciliation Rocks Cape York [6] and Eye on the Horizon at Port Kembla, Headland Wollongong. [7]

Early life and education

Following the early death of his father, Stevens started creating art with found recycled materials as an escape from the hardship, poverty and social stigma. Spending his youth working as a labourer on vast outback station properties in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia - likened by the artist to the sustained hands-on physicality and meditative processes of stone and metal sculpture.

In his early years he regularly attended life drawing and portraiture classes at Albury College, later studying Industrial Arts, Applied Arts and Metal Smithing at Melbourne Technical College.

Relocating to Europe and London in the early 1980s, Stevens was an active participant in the vibrant Carnaby Street art and music collective subculture.

Initially creating ephemeral art with found natural materials - including mudlarking on the River Thames,

Stevens started experimenting with stone, recycled metal and alloy in the late 80's, developing techniques and processes to make more permanent durable structures that could withstand time and the elements.

Career - major public artwork commissions

Stevens' most prominent public works include:

Bama-ngay Ancestral Elder Reconciliation Rocks Cape York. Ancestral Elder Oversize Portrait - Reconciliation Rocks.jpg
Bama-ngay Ancestral Elder Reconciliation Rocks Cape York.

[2] [8] [4] [12] [13] [14] [6] [10] [15] [7]

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References

  1. ↑ Edwards, Grace (2017-10-13). "Map - Cairns Arts and Culture Map". cairns.artsandculturemap.com.au. Retrieved 2022-09-11.
  2. 1 2 Campbell, Jim (2016-08-02). "New public art unveiled in Cairns". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  3. ↑ Inglis, Liz (2016-08-16). "Sculpture reflects future endeavour - Aug 2016". www.jcu.edu.au.
  4. 1 2 Williams, Wendy (2019-02-22). "Stingray artwork installed at Wellington Point". Redland City Bulletin. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  5. 1 2 Cochrane, Donna (2019-11-28). "Public Art - City of Rockingham" . Retrieved 2022-08-20.
  6. 1 2 Sullivan, Kimberly (2021-03-10). "'Tears of joy' as Reconciliation Rocks artworks installed — Cook Shire Council". www.cook.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  7. 1 2 Savage, Desiree (2022-04-26). "New sculpture at Port Kembla's historic military site unveiled". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  8. 1 2 McCormack, Mark (2016-08-17). "Second sculpture sheds wraps". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  9. ↑ Salt, Hannah (2019-11-29). "New artwork installed at Rockingham Foreshore". coastlive.com.au. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
  10. 1 2 Newman, Gabe (2022-07-10). "Reconciliation Rocks recognised — Cook Shire Council" . Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  11. ↑ Savage, Desiree (April 26, 2022). "New sculpture at Port Kembla's historic military site unveiled". Illawarra Mercury.
  12. ↑ https://rockingham.wa.gov.au/events,-culture-and-tourism/arts-and-culture/public-art
  13. ↑ "Into the Blue Eagle Ray". Western Australia. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  14. ↑ "MEDIA RELEASE | Larger than life artworks to celebrate Cooktown's Reconciliation Rocks — Cook Shire Council" . Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  15. ↑ https://www.gg.gov.au/about-governor-general/governor-generals-program/canberra-australian-capital-territory-cooktown-queensland
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