Steel is typically viewed as a tough, durable material, but Johannesburg-based artist Regardt van der Meulen uses it to sculpt delicate, fragmented human forms. His intricate works explore themes of “time, memory, and mortality” and emphasize the fragility of human existence.
Van der Meulen has been honing his craft for over 20 years, with each new piece being as impressive as the last. He chose steel as his medium of expression due to its versatility and unique qualities.
“It has a great ability to not only capture strength but also a sense of movement and fragility,” he tells My Modern Met. “In its natural state, it will rust and erode away which fits in perfectly with the theory of my work.”
Erosion, destruction, and decay come to mind when viewing Van der Meulen’s work. His sculptures seem to disintegrate before your eyes, resembling fleeting figures made of flaking ash.
One of his latest works, titled Twigs, depicts a fragmented figure mid-stride, entwined with metal sprigs. This sculpture powerfully illustrates the idea that we are intrinsically connected to nature, and in death, we merge back into it, becoming one with the earth.
In another work, titled Restoration, a metal figure looks down at his chest, holding a piece of his fragmenting body. It's as if he has just noticed his own form changing, reminding us that life's transformations can occur when we least expect them.
While most parts of Van der Meulen’s figures seem to fragment and recede, the hands and feet often remain intact. This detail is a hallmark of the artist’s work, where you often find intricately crafted fingers, toes, and even veins rendered in metal. These preserved elements give each sculpture a lasting and tangible human presence, even as they seem to decay.
Check out the artist’s latest work below and find more of his amazing sculptures by following Van der Meulen on Instagram.
Artist Regardt van der Meulen creates fragmented steel sculptures that explore themes of time and mortality.
One of his latest works, Twigs, powerfully shows our intrinsic connection to nature, even after death.
The artist's work challenges our understanding of hard steel by manipulating it to create forms that seem delicate and vulnerable.
Many works appear to be decaying before our eyes.
While most parts of Van der Meulen’s figures seem to fragment and recede, the hands and feet often remain intact.
Regardt Van Der Meulen: Website | Instagram | Facebook
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Regardt Van Der Meulen.
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