Mark Whalen: Sculpting the Unstable Balance of Everyday Life
Mark Whalen, an artist from Sydney, Australia, born in 1982 and currently residing in Los Angeles, reinterprets everyday moments into emotionally charged sculptures. Initially studying graphic design at Martin College, he transitioned from painting to three-dimensional art, exploring themes of intimacy, tension, and isolation through his exaggerated figures that engage with recognizable objects. His choice of materials, including glass, bronze, and aluminum, underscores ideas of resilience and transience. Whalen employs a creative process that involves drawing, digital models, 3D printing, and welding, with color playing a crucial role in conveying mood and tension. Since the mid-2000s, he has showcased his work internationally, drawing inspiration from historical artists like Giorgio Morandi and Alberto Giacometti, with pieces held in prominent collections.
Key facts
- Mark Whalen was born in Sydney in 1982 and is now based in Los Angeles.
- He studied graphic design at Martin College before transitioning from painting to sculpture.
- His sculptures feature exaggerated, indeterminate figures interacting with everyday objects like telephones, pillows, eggs, and candles.
- Materials used include glass, bronze, onyx stone, aluminium, polyurethane, and chrome.
- Whalen's process involves drawing, digital maquettes, 3D printing, welding, drilling, concrete work, spray finishing, and metal fabrication.
- He draws on historical sculptural formats such as busts and totems, and cites Giorgio Morandi and Alberto Giacometti as influences.
- Since the mid-2000s, his work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, and the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga.
- His work is held in collections including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, Artbank, and the Mainland Art Fund.
Entities
Artists
- Mark Whalen
- Giorgio Morandi
- Alberto Giacometti
Institutions
- Martin College
- National Gallery of Australia
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome
- Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga
- Artbank
- Mainland Art Fund
- AATONAU
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Europe
- Asia
- North America
- Rome
- Italy
- Málaga
- Spain
Sources
- AATONAU —