Nüart Gallery is pleased to announce Form and Flux, a solo exhibition of new sculptures by Emmett Culligan, on view from December 7, 2024, through January 11, 2025.
Opening Reception: Saturday, December 7th, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
In Form and Flux, Emmett Culligan redefines the possibilities of steel, a material synonymous with permanence and rigidity, by transforming it into something pliable, fluid, and alive. Through an innovative process, Culligan inflates hollow steel forms in a kiln at approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, creating sculptures that appear to expand, contract, and interact in a state of constant transformation. The result is a series of works that challenge perceptions of materiality and explore the tension between solidity and flux.
Culligan’s practice prioritizes form over material, using steel as a vessel to examine contrasts: strength and softness, permanence and transience, structure and transformation. These sculptures evoke a dynamic interplay between rigidity and motion, inviting viewers to consider the fluid nature of reality itself. Each piece captures a moment in flux, where boundaries blur, and steel—traditionally unyielding—becomes a symbol of change.
The artist’s exploration of material manipulation draws inspiration from the delicate balance between strength and fragility, akin to the process of glassblowing, though he works exclusively in steel. His method begins with conceptual drawings and foam models, focusing on form’s potential to communicate tension and harmony. The resulting sculptures evoke a figurative quality, reflecting the dynamics of human interaction and the ephemeral aspects of existence.
Culligan’s artistic journey began with a shift from painting to sculpture during his undergraduate studies, leading to a BFA in sculpture from the University of Colorado at Denver. His work spans public art installations and intimate gallery pieces, recognized nationally and internationally for its ability to transform everyday forms into profound reflections on the act of making and being.
Form and Flux is an invitation to contemplate the malleability of form, material, and meaning. Through these works, Culligan offers viewers a deeper connection to the physical world and the intangible energy that animates it.
For more information, high-resolution images, or interview inquiries, contact 424.900.3888 or email fineartla@nuartgallery.com.
