ben young sculpts epic narratives out of glass and concrete

ben young continues to prove that great art can be created from the simplest and most modest materials. residing in mount maunganui, new zealand, the self-taught artist has sculpted for over 15 years and has exhibited alongside well-known arists. he doesn’t see glass. he doesn’t see concrete, or steel. he sees lovers with an ocean standing between them. 

oceans apart | glass, concrete, bronze and steel | W 600mm, H 350mm, D 155mm
all images courtesy of ben young

the boat maker sees the architecture of nature and the story of introspection. he sees the relationship between a wind-tilted sailboat and a cliffside lighthouse. his materials are clear, but his balance between certain things is unexpected: he gives free-flowing water a geometric edge. rock-structures seem as sharp as they do smooth and together, it all feels as chaotic as it does calming — dynamic, yet stilling.

watchful gaze | glass, concrete, bronze and steel |  W 600mm, H 375mm, D 285mm

ben young creates a unique perspective. beneath certain pieces, on the underside of the ocean floor and behind cave walls, areas are exposed with a repetitive, semi-organic pattern. human figures are cast from bronze, oceans from glass, and earth from concrete. steel holds everything in place and lighting brings it all alive. never have such sturdy, rigid materials looked so fragile and beautiful.

sea of separation | glass, cast concrete, bronze and steel | W 600mm, H350mm, D170mm

solitary catch awaits | glass, concrete, bronze and steel | H300mm, W300mm x D180mm

the divide | glass and cast concrete | W 930mm, H 375mm, D 165mm

submerged folds | glass, concrete and steel | H 600mm, W 350mm, D 300mm

submerged folds

watchful gaze | glass, concrete, bronze and steel | W 600mm, H 375mm, D 285mm

watchful gaze

solitary catch awaits | glass, concrete, bronze and steel | H 300mm, W 300mm, D 180mm

solitary catch awaits

the divide

eye of the storm | glass, concrete and steel | H 285mm, W 250mm, D 240mm 

eye of the storm (detail)