Iwan Iwanoff Tributes (Sculpture)

Sculpture

These sculptures are part of an ongoing collection that pays tribute to the visionary works of Perth architect Iwan Iwanoff. Initially, this project began out of personal admiration for his distinctive besser block designs. Unable to afford to live in one of his homes, my compromise was to create these pieces to surround myself with the beauty of his architecture.
Inspired by Iwanoff's work and Warren Anderson's dedication to highlighting Iwanoff's legacy through his book 'The Architecture of Iwan Iwanoff', my goal shifted from a personal project to an effort of doing my own small part in raising more awareness of these inexplicably under-appreciated works.

The creation process begins with modeling a design in CAD, followed by a combination of 3D printing and traditional model-making techniques. I then create rubber moulds and finally cast the piece in concrete - the only material that seems truly appropriate to do his buildings justice. This blend of modern technology and hands-on craftsmanship ensures that each piece embodies the stoic resilience and timeless elegance of his buildings, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories and emotions embedded in these concrete forms.

Through my art, I seek to celebrate and preserve the historical and cultural significance of Iwanoff's amazing homes. These creations stand as both modern art pieces and historical tributes, hopefully contributing to a broader appreciation of his legacy.

(In addition to the original sculptures, high-quality photographic prints of selected works are also available. These prints offer an accessible way to enjoy the intricate details and beauty of the sculptures, perfect for any art lover or architecture enthusiast.)

 

Shenton Park Beautalism
Framed sculpture
Concrete, acrylic, gold leaf
245x290mm

2024

Shenton Park Beautalism is inspired by the side wall of a shop/medical centre in Shenton Park. This piece features black acrylic with gold leaf in the small gaps between the bricks, creating the illusion of sunlight reflecting off a hidden window. This was the first Iwanoff-inspired sculpture in the series and initially just started as a small test piece to prove the concept. After much trial and error, I perfected a technique that worked beautifully, sparking the continuation of this project.

High-quality photographic prints of Shenton Park Beautalism are available.

 


Madaschi Memory
Framed sculpture
Concrete
245x290mm

2024

Continuing my sculptural journey, Madaschi Memory features elements of the stunning Madaschi Residence in Dianella. This piece was the perfect subject for testing the limits of the new medium I was working with. Its complex, tightly packed protrusions allowed me to explore whether these intricate elements would survive the casting process. Remarkably, they did, resulting in a piece that captures light and shadows perfectly.

High-quality photographic prints of Madaschi Memory are available.

 

 

Sunlit Tribute
Framed sculpture
Concrete, acrylic, gold leaf
360x295mm

2024

Sunlit Tribute is my most complex piece to date, featuring the iconic façade of Murphy House in City Beach, a heritage-listed blockwork masterpiece. The mould-making process for this piece was a significant challenge, but perseverance paid off. The casting, with its very thin protrusions requiring internal support, was equally demanding. Despite these challenges, the resulting sculpture is perhaps my favourite creation.

As with all my sculptures, I have taken plenty of creative liberties, so while it is not a totally accurate recreation, it remains instantly recognizable and yet a unique and new interpretation. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

High-quality photographic prints of Sunlit Tribute are available.

 

 

Concrete Echoes
Wall-hanging sculpture
Concrete
190x235mm

2024

Continuing with the theme of experimentation, Concrete Echoes was a venture in weathering techniques. Inspired by the blockwork of the now-abandoned Jiwkoff Warehouse in Burswood, I used a variety of acrylic paints and spray bottles on this simpler form to create the effect of weathered concrete, sitting out in the elements for 60+ years. The result, for me at least, evokes an emotional response and an empathetic connection to this neglected building in dire need of a sympathetic custodian.

 

 

City Beach Sentinel
Free-standing Sculpture
Concrete
240x400mm

2024

A hidden gem in City Beach, Maxwell House is a lesser-known Iwanoff home featuring striking, symmetrical blockwork. City Beach Sentinel is the largest piece in the series so far, created to take this concept to a larger scale. Integrating a built-in concrete frame, I aimed to simplify the process and create a stand-alone piece made entirely of a single material. This was the point when I realized I could potentially make multiple pieces, allowing others to appreciate these works, rather than just decorating my own home.

 

 


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