Batchelor, David. 2022. Concretos. London: Anomie Publishing. ISBN 9781910221389 [Book]

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Abstract or Description

'Concretos' is a survey of David Batchelor's concrete-based sculptures made since 2011.

The publication features a text by Batchelor charting the development of 'Concretos', revealing that the first 'Concreto' was made after encountering coloured glass shards embedded in a concrete wall in the back streets of Palermo. Over time these 'Concretos', their title a nod to the Latin American art movement to which Batchelor’s work is much indebted, have become more complex adventures in layering, pattern and process. Elements such as acrylic plastic, spray and household gloss paint, steel, fabric and found objects all find themselves set in a concrete base.

In an essay commissioned for the publication, curator Eleanor Nairne considers 'Concretos' in light of their material possibilities. Nairne’s text draws connections between the sculptures and a wide range of art historical and literary references. Some of the playful and sensual characteristics of Batchelor’s artistic vocabulary are considered in relation to floral bouquets, sewing-machines, ice cream and poetry.

Architectural historian Adrian Forty’s essay discusses concrete’s relationship with modernity. He notes that the imperfect nature and apparent neutrality of the material is key to its enduring place within architecture, design and in Batchelor’s case, contemporary sculpture. ‘In the Concretos,’ asserts Forty, ‘concrete plays a necessary part in allowing colour to be itself. Present, but at the same time part of the barely noticed, half-invisible infrastructure of the city, concrete’s very neutrality performs an unexpectedly active part in these works.’

The publication coincides with the first large-scale survey exhibition of Batchelor’s work taking place at Compton Verney, Warwickshire in 2022. The publication has been supported by Goldsmiths’ College, University of London, and Arts Council England.

Texts by David Batchelor, Adrian Forty and Eleanor Nairne
Edited by David Batchelor and Matt Price
Designed by Hyperkit, London
Photography by Lucy Dawkins, Tom Nolan and Angus Mill.

Published by Anomie Publishing, London

Item Type:	Book
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Art
Date:	28 July 2022
Item ID:	34152
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2023 15:26
Last Modified:	03 Oct 2023 15:26
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/34152

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