Material Dualism

2011-2018

Material is not only a physical manifestation of matter, or a thing that can be made. Material is also facts or ideas, and also refers to what is essential or relevant. Material Dualism is a formal approach to material in shape and value through a continued exploration of geometric and seemingly organic forms. I’m interested in the details that give us preconceptions of what an object is, whether we consider it beautiful, and how we assign value to things that might not serve an apparent utilitarian function. Throughout this series I employ a level of duality in objects, material choices, and intent. Each sculpture has explicit juxtapositions of materials or forms to create a conversation within itself. In some cases, it could be exemplified by an interior, or surprise, while others support and balance the structure or conceptual narrative.

Subtraction wood and metal sculpture by Topher Gent.

Subtraction (2011) — walnut, cedar, maple, steel

walnut wood detail sculpture
maple wood detail
Subtraction wood and metal sculpture artist Topher Gent.

24 (2012) - steam bent white oak, blackened steel

steel and wood wall sculpture by artist Topher Gent
steel metal and wood detail

Phi (2012) - laser cut and welded steel

metal sculpture detail
steel metal sculpture by artist Topher Gent

Source (2014) - Steel, resin

metal and mixed media sculpture by artist Topher Gent
Source sculpture

Amethyst Rising (2014) – public installation providence 2014, rumford 2016

Amethyst Rising public art sculpture by Topher Gent
Amethyst Rising sculpture public art in Providence Rhode Island
Geometric steel sculpture by artist Topher Gent.
Amethyst Rising outdoor sculpture installed in Rumford Rhode Island

Vessel 01 (2015) - steel, plaster

Vessel steel sculpture in gallery in Newport Rhode Island
Detail of steel metal and plaster sculpture

Core (2016) - steel, gold leaf

Core steel metal sculpture by Topher Gent
black and gold metal sculpture detail
Core steel sculpture by artist Topher Gent
metalwork Topher Gent
Topher Gent metalwork welding sculpture
sculpture process
sculpture in finishing room
sculpture in industrial alley

Core2 (2018) - powder coated steel, silver leaf

white metal and silver sculpture by artist Topher Gent
metal detail

Fix (2018) - blackened steel

steel metal sculpture
metal sculpture detail
steel metal sculpture detail

Stay (2018) - blackened steel, alabaster

steel and stone sculpture
steel and stone sculpture by artist Topher Gent
stone sculpture detail
steel and stone sculpture
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Kalos (2019)

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Out Here (2010-2013)