Casper Braat
Suitcase, 2023
Carrara Marble White
15 3/4 x 8 7/8 x 34 5/8 in
40 x 22.5 x 88 cm
40 x 22.5 x 88 cm
Unique
Q. What initially sparked your interest in sculpting, and how has your artistic journey evolved over time?
The interest in sculpture has always been there. The journey to my present work began with a transition from one-off projects to complete series and installations. After years focusing on a single sculpture, I felt a need to create immersive installations. The basic idea was to craft alternative worlds that viewers, upon entering a gallery, could suspend their present reality and step into a Casper Braat version. I have also progressed from focusing solely on the technical aspects of materials, such as marble and natural stones, to using them as part of the conceptual underpinning that shapes these spaces into the monumental.
The interest in sculpture has always been there. The journey to my present work began with a transition from one-off projects to complete series and installations. After years focusing on a single sculpture, I felt a need to create immersive installations. The basic idea was to craft alternative worlds that viewers, upon entering a gallery, could suspend their present reality and step into a Casper Braat version. I have also progressed from focusing solely on the technical aspects of materials, such as marble and natural stones, to using them as part of the conceptual underpinning that shapes these spaces into the monumental.
Q. What themes or concepts do you typically explore in your sculptures?
In my sculptures I focus primarily on my foundational theme of everyday extravagance. This is driven by my deep fascination with consumer society and consumption practices. I believe that regardless of where we are in the world, consumption is intricately woven into daily life and is attributed with huge importance in the culture. Our society places immense value on convenience, while simultaneously conspicuously holding luxury and novelty in high regard. Brands and corporations play a dominant role in shaping our global capitalist culture. Through my work, I aim to celebrate the commercialized world we inhabit, embracing its imperfections and complexities, that is, while we still can do so.
Q. Your choice of materials can significantly impact the final outcome of a sculpture. How do you decide which materials to use for your work, and how does the selection process contribute to the overall message or concept?
When selecting materials for my sculptures, I meticulously consider how each material can effectively communicate the intended message or concept of the artwork. For instance, my decision to use classical techniques and materials like Italian Carrara marble extends beyond mere craftsmanship. Carrara marble, renowned for its timeless appeal and cultural significance, adds a layer of permanence to the artwork. Its widespread presence in museums enhances the accessibility and recognition of the material while imbuing it with a sense of grandeur. Additionally, I explore materials such as Arrabescato marble, a different kind of marble known for its black veins, in order to give a more dramatic dimension to the sculptures.
Q. How do you decide on the themes in your sculpture series?
When it comes to selecting themes for my sculpture series, I typically embark on a thorough research journey. For instance, my airport project began with an immersive 10-day field research period spent in the terminals of various European airports, including Schiphol Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Milan Malpensa, and Berlin Tegel. During this time, I observed and absorbed the unique atmosphere of these bustling hubs, which I view as symbolic of our globalized culture. The airport terminal, often seen as an in-between space rather than a final destination, serves as a temporary melting pot where individuals from diverse backgrounds coexist. This juxtaposition of a utopian vision of safety and togetherness with a dystopian reality of control and depersonalization inspired me to delve deeper into the theme of waiting. Consequently, my 'Departures' series emerged from this initial research, exploring the nuances and complexities of this transient yet significant aspect of the airport experience.
Q. Why did you choose to work in the Airport theme?
I chose to explore the airport theme because airports serve as universal symbols of our contemporary globalized society. Regardless of location, airports share similar aesthetics aimed at providing travelers with a safe and efficient experience. However, behind this facade lies a complex amalgamation of commercial interests and societal dynamics. Air travel has evolved into a standardized, homogenized experience, driven by an industry focused on delivering luxury at the lowest cost possible. Through my 'Departures' series, I aim to recreate the timeless essence of airports, capturing their ubiquitous yet ephemeral nature. In this installation, viewers are invited to step into the shoes of a passenger in limbo, experiencing the familiarity and transience. By sculpting everyday conveniences from Carrara marble, I seek to highlight the tension between the mundane and the monumental within this airport space.
Q. Could you walk us through your favorite piece of sculpture? What inspired its creation, and what techniques did you employ to bring it to life?
One of my most cherished sculptures is 'Waiting' (2023), which depicts a young man seated on the ground, absently staring at his phone. This piece is significant to me mostly for the technical feat it represents. Standing at 110x60x92 cm, its large size and complicated gesture posed significant challenges during the carving process. Every step of the journey, from conceptualization and execution to transportation, demanded meticulous attention to detail and coordination among a dedicated workshop team that I am immensely thankful for helping me bring this work to life.
Q. Can you discuss any upcoming projects or exhibitions you're currently working on?
At the present moment I'm pretty busy. I'm expanding my 'Departures' series, crafting sculptures of bags, shoes, and various travel items that I will continue to show. Beyond 'Departures', I have begun a new project that will invite viewers into my marble carving studio to take a look at "work in progress."
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February 20, 2024
