Robert Sunderman’s recent mixed media sculptures, part of his "Shattered Glass" and "Fire/Tree" series, encapsulate a dynamic exploration of form, texture, and environmental themes.
Robert Sunderman is an artist known for his innovative mixed media sculptures that explore environmental themes, combining traditional techniques with modern materials to reflect on sustainability and natural processes.
Sunderman’s work blends traditional sculptural techniques with modern materials and concepts, creating pieces that are both visually striking and thematically profound. His ability to convey complex environmental narratives through abstract forms marks him as a significant contemporary sculptor.
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On the Edge: Shattered Glass Series (2021)
On the Edge: Shattered Glass Series, Robert Sunderman, 2021, mixed media, 24 x 18 x 11 in. / 60.96 x 45.72 x 27.94 cm.
"On the Edge" is a compelling piece from Sunderman's "Shattered Glass" series that employs mixed media to evoke the fragility and precariousness of our environmental ecosystem. The sculpture features elements that appear to be balancing delicately, symbolizing the fine line between sustainability and degradation. The use of transparent and reflective materials enhances the piece's visual impact, inviting viewers to consider their own role in maintaining ecological balance.
Fractured Journey: Shattered Glass Series (2023)
Fractured Journey: Shattered Glass Series, Robert Sunderman, 2023, mixed media, 15 x 32 x 16 in. / 38.1 x 81.28 x 40.64 cm.
"Fractured Journey" continues the themes of vulnerability and resilience within the "Shattered Glass" series. This sculpture portrays a more tumultuous narrative, with jagged lines and sharp angles that suggest a path through difficulties and obstacles. Sunderman’s technique of combining rugged, raw materials with smooth finishes not only contrasts destruction with beauty but also represents the ongoing struggle against environmental adversity.
Swirling Fire: Fire/Tree Series (2023)
Swirling Fire : Fire/Tree Series, Robert Sunderman, 2023, mixed media, 14 x 3 x 5.5 in. / 35.56 x 7.62 x 13.97 cm.
In "Swirling Fire," Sunderman explores the regenerative aspect of forest fires through his "Fire/Tree" series. This sculpture juxtaposes the destructive force of fire with the growth it enables, using a swirling, flame-like structure to symbolize renewal. The vibrant colors and flowing forms convey both the ferocity and the beauty of natural processes, emphasizing the dual nature of destruction and creation in the natural world.
Robert Sunderman’s artistic endeavors are a testament to the power of sculpture to communicate pressing contemporary issues. His works in the "Shattered Glass" and "Fire/Tree" series invite reflection on environmental sustainability and regeneration, using abstract forms and materials to challenge and inspire. Each piece serves as a visual and conceptual reminder of the delicate interplay between human activity and the natural environment, showcasing Sunderman’s profound engagement with ecological themes.
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Fire Swirl II : Fire/Tree Series, Robert Sunderman, 2023, mixed media, 15 x 3 x 7 in. / 38.1 x 7.62 x 17.78 cm.
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