An exhibition of new sculptures in steel and cast bronze. Considered "maquettes" - some for realised commissions, and others propositions for works on a monumental scale - this body of work focusses on two lines of enquiry: Shawcross's ongoing explorations of the four-sided tetrahedron as a tessellating form in his Paradigm series, and the dynamic visual potential of harmonics in his Manifold works. Installed as a singular sculptural field, the works bear relationships to both architecture and the body, and elicit a subtle line between structure and nature, the metaphysical and the molecular.
Selected Exhibition Images
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Exhibition
Posted
7 June 2019
Conrad Shawcross’ Chord on view at The Jute Shed, Halifax
Shawcross exhibits Chord at the Jute Shed (22 June–21 July 2019), part of the vast and historic Dean Clough Mills in Halifax. This is the first time the work has been shown since 2009. The Jute Shed, Halifax -
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Exhibition
Posted
16 May 2019
Conrad Shawcross’ Monolith (Optic) and Optic Labyrinth are featured in Pilane Sculpture Park 2019
Installed on a rocky outcrop in Pilane, Sweden (opening 18 May 2019), Monolith (Optic) appears to change endlessly according to shifting light conditions. Pilane, Sweden -
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Exhibition
Posted
6 April 2019
Conrad Shawcross features in Negative Space: Trajectories of Sculpture at ZKM, Karlsruhe
Slow Fold Inside a Corner, 2018, is on view as part of as part of Negative Space: Trajectories of Sculpture (6 April–11 August 20190. The exhibition is a continuation of a show first staged at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris in 1986, that sought to question 'what is modern sculpture?'. Karlsruhe, Germany -
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Interview
Posted
4 January 2019
HENI Talks – Maths, Alchemy, Art: The Sculptural Practice of Conrad Shawcross
In this HENI Talk, Conrad Shawcross discusses his work including his recent inspiration: moiré. This dazzling mathematical phenomenon, also known as an interference pattern, is something that many creators – from filmmakers to engineers – seek to avoid. Yet Shawcross has harnessed and honed this beguiling phenomenon – at once still and shifting – into sculptures which make us doubt our visual experience. Indeed, Shawcross’s art questions what we may take for granted, encouraging us to see beyond the everyday. HENI Talks -
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Review
Posted
12 December 2018
Wallpaper* features Conrad Shawcross: Psychogeometries
'What strikes you immediately when reading it: Shawcross’ practice is remarkably complex. Hang from every word as he jumps from reference to reference, from the philosophy of science, to childrens’ toys, Greek mythology, Renaissance architecture and Buckminster Fuller.' Elly Parsons, Wallpaper* -
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Commission
Posted
15 October 2018
Now open – the Comcast Technology Center, featuring a site-specific work by Conrad Shawcross
The new Comcast Technology Center building, designed by Foster + Partners, in Philadelphia, features a major site-specific sculpture by the artist. Philadelphia, PA -
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Event
Posted
2 October 2018
Conrad Shawcross presents Exploding Paradigms and Parallax Disruptions as part of the Frick Collection’s Artists, Poets, and Writers Lecture Series
The free lecture (6–7pm, 17 October 2018) outlines the breadth of his practice, focusing specifically on recent works from his two series Paradigms and Optics. The Frick Collection, New York -
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Interview
Posted
18 September 2018
Conrad Shawcross discusses his new exhibition with Wallpaper*
'I’m still bamboozled by the way this simple shape can form these tendril like structures that branch out and don’t join into themselves again.' Tom Seymour, Wallpaper* -
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Review
Posted
14 September 2018
The Guardian reviews Conrad Shawcross: After the Explosion, Before the Collapse
★★★★ 'They suggest natural forms both organic and inorganic: the multifacted brilliance of minerals, the interlocking cells of plants.' Jonathan Jones, The Guardian -
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Interview
Posted
11 September 2018
Conrad Shawcross talks to the Evening Standard ahead of his new exhibition at Victoria Miro Mayfair
'… It’s almost like a lightbulb that’s just shattered and you’ve taken a photo before it all just crumbles to the ground.' Ben Luke, The Evening Standard -
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News
Posted
31 July 2018
Read our online publication for Conrad Shawcross: Optic Labyrinth (Arrangement I)
A new publication on the occasion of Frieze Sculpture 2018, featuring an interview with the artist, images and a film of the work on view in Regent's Park. -
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Channel
19 July 2018
Conrad Shawcross, Optic Labyrinth (Arrangement I), 2018
For Frieze Sculpture 2018, selected by Clare Lilley, Director of Programme, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Conrad Shawcross has created a new work, titled Optic Labyrinth (Arrangement I), 2018. Taking the form of a simple immersive maze, the work engages with the sun and its shifting position throughout the day and the seasons, focusing specifically on how people navigate and orientate themselves both emotionally and physically in relation to its rise and fall. -
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Exhibition
Posted
21 June 2018
Conrad Shawcross: MATRIX 179 at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
The exhibition (21 June–21 October 2018) celebrates the premiere of Shawcross’ sculpture Monolith (Optic), 2016, on Main Street in front of the Wadsworth Atheneum. The accompanying exhibition will feature additional sculptures, models and a slow-moving light machine. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, Connecticut -
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News story
Posted
13 March 2018
Conrad Shawcross to create a major new public artwork for the Elizabeth line at Liverpool Street
'Manifold' will be a bronze sculpture positioned outside the Moorgate entrance of the Elizabeth line station. -
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News
Posted
2 March 2018
Conrad Shawcross’ The Optic Cloak wins a World Architecture News Award
The Greenwich Peninsula Low Carbon Energy Centre, by C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with Conrad Shawcross, wins in the category of Metal in Architecture. -
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Exhibition
Posted
22 February 2018
Conrad Shawcross at Harbour Arts Sculpture Park, Hong Kong
Two works are displayed as part of Harbour Arts Sculpture Park (22 February–11 April 2018). The artist will also take part in The GREAT Festival of Innovation and Art Basel Hong Kong Dialogue Series. Hong Kong -
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Exhibition
Posted
27 July 2017
Conrad Shawcross in Now Wakes the Sea at The Glucksman, Cork
Titled after the 1963 short story by JG Ballard, the exhibition (4 August - 5 November 2017) considers a resurgence of interest in the sea in contemporary art practices. The Glucksman, Cork -
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Exhibition
Posted
7 July 2017
Conrad Shawcross’ Monolith (Optic) at New Art Centre, Roche Court
Monolith (Optic), 2016, is on view in the Sculpture Park. Roche Court, East Winterslow, Wiltshire -
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Channel
27 June 2017
The making of Conrad Shawcross’ The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), on display at St Pancras International
The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue) is Conrad Shawcross RA’s largest mechanical work to date, stretching out to a 16m diameter as it methodically turns above St Pancras International station. It marks the fifth year of the Terrace Wires public sculpture commission at the station and the third in partnership with the Royal Academy. The commission is the Royal Academy’s only external public sculpture series in London and is free to view. Film courtesy Terrace Wires in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts. -
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News story
Posted
23 June 2017
Louisa Buck reports on Conrad Shawcross’s Terrace Wires commission in The Art Newspaper
"The latest commission in the station’s Terrace Wires public art programme is an awesome technical feat…" Louisa Buck, The Art Newspaper -
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Commission
Posted
22 June 2017
The 2017 Terrace Wires commission by Conrad Shawcross is unveiled at St Pancras International
The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), 2017, is the artist's most ambitious mechanical work to date. St Pancras International, London -
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Interview
Posted
22 June 2017
Conrad Shawcross talks to the Financial Times about his Terrace Wires Commission
The artist talks to James Pickford about The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), his new commission for St Pancras International. Photo © Tim P. Whitby/Getty. The Financial Times James Pickford -
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Interview
Posted
22 June 2017
Conrad Shawcross interviewed by GQ about his Terrace Wires commission
“I was interested in this very familiar object. We’re all taught at school how to tell the time, but actually it’s a very difficult thing to learn." GQ Ailis Brennan -
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Interview
Posted
22 June 2017
Disegno talks to Conrad Shawcross about The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue) at St Pancras International
"I am interested in an abstract machine having political potential.” Disegno -
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Interview
Posted
15 June 2017
Conrad Shawcross talks to Wallpaper* about his forthcoming Terrace Wires commission for St Pancras International
‘I hope it will have this real Brunelian scale of ambition.’ Nick Compton, Wallpaper* -
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Interview
Posted
8 June 2017
Conrad Shawcross discusses his work on the FT Everything Else Podcast
"Dystopian dreams and robotic sculpture", the latest FT culture podcast features an interview with Conrad Shawcross, who discusses his work, including In Light of The Machine, his new commission for the Barbican's exhibition Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction. FT.com -
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Exhibition
Posted
3 June 2017
Conrad Shawcross’ new commission for the Barbican’s Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction
A new commission by Shawcross uses light, movement and sound to create an installation that takes over The Pit theatre space (3 June - 1 September 2017). Barbican Centre, London -
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Interview
Posted
2 June 2017
Conrad Shawcross talks to It's Nice That about his installation for the Barbican's Into the Unknown: A Journey through Science Fiction
'The “riddle and mystery” is what drives Conrad and the ambiguity within the project has remained with it all the way through to installation…'. It's Nice That Rebecca Fulleylove -
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Commission
Posted
1 June 2017
Conrad Shawcross announced as the artist for the 2017 Terrace Wires commission
The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), 2017, will be unveiled at St Pancras International station on the morning of Thursday 22 June 2017. St Pancras International, London -
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Exhibition
Posted
15 April 2017
Conrad Shawcross and Jules de Balincourt in The Universe and Art at ArtScience Museum Singapore
The exhibition (1 April - 30 July 2017) is an artistic voyage through the cosmos, exploring where we came from and where we are going. ArtScience Museum, Singapore -
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Exhibition
Posted
15 April 2017
Conrad Shawcross in Socle du Monde Biennale 2017
Shawcross presents an iteration of 'The Ada Project' as part of the Danish biennial (21 April - 27 August 2017). Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, Denmark -
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Exhibition
Posted
13 March 2017
Conrad Shawcross, Idris Khan and Grayson Perry create work for The Cure Parkinson's Trust
An exhibition (13 - 15 March 2017) devised by Artwise in partnership with Bonhams and supported by the David Ross Foundation to raise awareness and funds for The Cure Parkinson's Trust. Bonhams, London -
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Event
Posted
26 January 2017
Book now: Conrad Shawcross talk at the V&A
Join the artist on 17 March 2017 for a discussion of his latest works – public, institutional and private. V&A, London -
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Commission
Posted
9 November 2016
The Francis Crick Institute officially opens, featuring Paradigm by Conrad Shawcross
Commissioned by the Institute, Paradigm is one of the tallest public sculptures in central London at an imposing 14 metres tall. The Francis Crick Institute, London -
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Interview
Posted
29 September 2016
Conrad Shawcross interviewed in Wired
Inspired by camouflage and cubism, Conrad Shawcross is refashioning the Big Smoke's skyline Kevin Holmes, Wired -
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Commission
Posted
24 February 2016
Conrad Shawcross: Paradigm at the Francis Crick Institute
Now on permanent view. At 14 metres high, Paradigm is one of the tallest public sculptures in central London. Commissioned by the Francis Crick Institute, through a submission process with Artwise Curators and funded by the Wellcome Trust. The Francis Crick Institute, London -
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Channel
18 June 2015
Conrad Shawcross
Conrad Shawcross discusses his exhbition, Inverted Spires and Descendent Folds, at Victoria Miro; as well as his installation in the RA courtyard, his Dulwich Park commission, and more. -
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Gallery Exhibition
7 September - 1 October 2011
Conrad Shawcross: Sequential
Victoria Miro is delighted to present a new body of work by Conrad Shawcross, in the artist's second solo presentation with the gallery. Occupying both floors the exhibition emphasises the... Victoria Miro Gallery I -
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Gallery Exhibition
14 October - 18 November 2006
Conrad Shawcross: No Such Thing As One
Victoria Miro Gallery is delighted to present an exhibition of new sculptures by the British artist Conrad Shawcross. Conceived especially for the gallery spaces No Such Thing As One brings... Victoria Miro Gallery I
