Bence Magyarlaki’s Sculpture Series

An artful exploration of the relationship between fluidity and rigidity.

Born in 1992, Hungarian artist Bence Magyarlaki already has an extensive body of work, nominations to various awards, and exhibitions in well-known art galleries in Lisbon and London. His sculptures explore the tension and dynamic relationship between architectural containment and expressive body movement. Among his different art series, ‘The Contortionists’ and ‘Outside Belongings’ exemplify this perfectly. Using body memory and language, the artist creates fluid sculptures that defy societal structures. The use of concrete and plaster reinforces this concept, as these materials signify the rigidity of architectural elements.

By contrast, the movement of the body represents the ability to change and express different emotions. The softness of the flowing forms and the solidity of traditional building materials also highlight the sculptures’ duality. The artworks promote the transformative potential of the body, both within itself and within strict societal rules. Ultimately, these fixed structures contribute to this metamorphosis. Twisting and turning, the silhouettes push the concrete and plaster to their limit.

Geometric forms create anthropomorphic shapes and postures, taking the dynamic forms close to – but not quite at – a moment of release. The artist aims to encourage the viewer to change their perspective, both literally and figuratively. The former, by moving around the sculptures to see them in different ways. And the latter, by understanding that they can question rigid societal structures and instead see their potential as a malleable system. Photographs© Bence Magyarlaki.