Royal Academician Conrad Shawcross makes sculptures that often incorporate dynamic robotic elements. Exploring ideas that cross the borders between physics, geometry and philosophy, Shawcross works in a range of scales making small hand-held pieces through to monumental site-specific public commissions. Often using metals such as corten steel and bronze, which weather over time, his pieces are characterised by complex geometric and circular forms that bloom into coiled spirals and tree-like structures.

This work is part of an ongoing series of abstract solid and modular towers often grouped in sequences of three – a number which references a pyramid or triangle and also has numerous spiritual and mythical associations. Whilst the first piece in the trio is symmetrical, the second and third twist and waver into mysterious versions of each other. Symbolising the notion of progress, splitting and evolution are key threads within Shawcross’s practice. Although his sculpture may hint at organic, natural forms, in the artist’s words, ‘in the end, it remains elusive to definition’.

Shawcross’s work has been exhibited internationally in numerous solo and group exhibitions at venues including Careyes Foundation, Mexico (2014); Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2013); National Gallery, London (2012); Turner Contemporary, Margate, UK (2011) and The Science Museum, London (2011). Institutional exhibitions have included those at Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand (2014); the Hayward Gallery, London (2013) and Tate Britain, London (2012). His work is held in many notable public collections internationally. He was elected as the Academy’s youngest Royal Academician to date in 2013. He lives and works in London.