FROM EROSION TO REVELATION 

- THE BRONZE SCULPTURE OF OLIVER CHALK

KALPA introduces the work of British artist Oliver Chalk, whose biomorphic wood and bronze sculptures delve into themes of self-reconnection, imperfection, and material transformation. A self-taught artist, Chalk embeds narratives about time's erosive power within his spherical and organic forms, appearing as archeological findings pulled out of the ground. The sculptor’s profound curiosity in experimenting with the material guides his hands to go through the external shell of his objects, explore the soul of his forms and embrace natural imperfections as part of the process.

Currently on view at KALPA are three unwaxed, polished bronze vessels entitled Voided Forms. Created from a single maple wood matrix, these works - described by the artist as “chambers of curiosity” - explore the interconnectedness of existence. Their ancient, weathered aesthetic evokes the beauty of objet trouvé and archaeological relics, blending nature, craftsmanship, and cultural memory.

Chalk’s journey into sculpting began in 2020, during the pandemic, when he transitioned from fabric design and installation to woodturning and carving of natural, sustainable materials. Sustainability is indeed central to his artistic philosophy and practice, as he exclusively selects native or naturalised wood species that have fallen due to disease or storms from his local surroundings. The vessels highlight voids, inclusions, and imperfections, celebrating the natural characteristics of the materials.

For this sculptor, carving is both a creative and meditative process. Chalk searches for movements and unique characteristics of the selected pieces of wood, celebrating fissures, striations and vulnerabilities as visual metaphors for impermanence. In his wooden Voided Form, the artist brings the wood’s inner anatomy to the fore, usually hidden from view, to reveal the organic beauty of the tree's anatomy. This form becomes the foundation for bronze casting, embodying the dialogue between maker and material

While rising from the same wooden matrix, each Voided Form in bronze has a unique character. Throughout the years, Chalk's investigations have delved more and more deeply into the making process, surface application and finishes: he uses the patination technique to bring his vessels to life, burying the cast bronzes in the earth for periods of 100, 150, or 200 days. This process allows natural forces to imprint distinctive textures and markings on the metal, bridging the organic and industrial worlds.

"Organic process means I cannot foresee the end result, nor do I want predetermined outcomes, allowing intuition and material to collide into a balanced form that is pleasing to my eye."

Chalk pursues an experimental process and approaches to art. He embraces spontaneity and rejects traditional notions of perfection, allowing forms to evolve organically and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with natural materials. His philosophy is influenced by the research of masters like Robert Rauschenberg and Giuseppe Penone, while his work creates an intriguing dialogue with other artists exhibited at KALPA, such as Eleanor Lakelin and Marc Ricourt, who also challenge conventions and explore innovative techniques.

“My hands are my greatest asset and my willingness to embrace failure has always served me well, offering steep but invaluable learning curves.”

Bronze, a traditional material of academic sculpture, becomes a canvas for Chalk’s experimentation. Composed of 90% copper and 10% tin, its inherent properties produce captivating patinas. In 2023, Chalk’s dedication to refining surface finishes and exploring patination earned him a prestigious Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust award.

After enrolling in a school of art and design in southeast England, Oliver Chalk (Canterbury, 1988) established his artist studio in the Kent countryside, where he continues to live and work. According to his vision, his workshop is a place of solitude. Working in complete silence, he creates a space for reflection, allowing him to transform raw materials into art that invites contemplation and celebrates the beauty of imperfection.

“The workshop is my sanctuary, a place to go deeper and explore my curiosity about what it means to be human.”

Photography of the artworks and artist studio: Courtesy of the Artist

Quotes by Oliver Chalk

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