Who Are We? And What Are We?

How two sculptors, Antony Gormley and Dylan Lewis continue to push the boundaries of what the human spirit represents in today's world.

Mark Raynes Roberts

All of the great sculptors throughout history have been drawn to the figurative form as a representation of our mortality and existence. The Greeks and Romans carved massive marble sculptures of their Gods or of their most powerful leaders such as Caesar and Augustus. A form of homage to the human form; to preserve memories for others of our fleeting existence.

The sublime “Madonna della Pieta” sculpture by Michelangelo, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

Even though I was a boy, I’ll never forget viewing Michaelangelo’s, the “Madonna della Pieta,” (Our Lady Of Piety) in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, mesmerized by the silk-like drapes of cloth Christ was lying upon and his veined hands which still bore the holes from his crucifixion. I was astounded at Michelangelo’s mastery as a sculptor - it was a calling in some ways to realize that I wanted to be an artist.

Over the past ten years, I’ve become particularly interested in the work of two contemporary sculptors: Sir Antony Gormley, who is British, and South African born sculptor, Dylan Lewis. Both of their works reflect our human experience with the environment but in totally different ways. You will see that Lewis’ approach is highly skilled and hands on whereas Gormley’s is conceptual and created by an atelier of craftsman.

The Dylan Lewis bronze wilderness exhibition I viewed in Berkeley Square, London in 2013.