Brutalism stands out amid the diversity of architectural movements due to its emphasis on utilitarianism and geometric severity. The movement emerged in the mid-20th century as a realistic, sometimes even skeptical, response to modernist optimism. From the imposing structures of Boston City Hall (featured image) to the honest functionalism of the Barbican Center in London and the Habitat Complex in Montreal, brutalist architecture comes with raw beauty and a strong emotional appeal.

Defining Features and Aesthetics of Brutalism

Brutalism has become famous and easily recognizable due to the combination of rough concrete surfaces and monolithic forms in urban design. The philosophy of unadorned functionality found an emotional response in the audiences of many countries, with brutalist objects emerging across the globe to evoke a sense of permanence and mirror the complexities of urban life.

The name of this architectural trend originates from the French concept “beton brut,” meaning raw concrete. That’s why brutalist architectural designs are usually distinguished by rough concrete structures, symbolizing resilience and strength amid the increasingly impermanent and unpredictable world.

The Political Aspect of Brutalist Architecture

The roots of brutalist architecture can also be traced back to the political climate of the post-war period in Europe. The utilitarian rationale for post-war urban reconstruction and social housing gives the brutalist movement a clear political dimension, where utopian ideals clash with the reality of urban decay. Thus, brutalist buildings have become associated with a political commentary on societal issues of the mid-20th century, with themes ranging from socio-economic inequality to environmental degradation.

Some artists have also based their political commentary on the brutalist imagery to draw public attention to the problems of apartheid and injustice. A notable example in this area is the South African artist William Kentridge, whose use of brutalist images in animated films is an intentional focus on apartheid’s legacy traceable in urban landscapes. Another illustrative example is Shibboleth (2007) by Doris Salcedo, featuring a crack in the concrete floor as a symbol of division and displacement.

Artists Inspired by the Brutalist Movement

This architectural movement has touched the hearts of many modern and contemporary artists, from Anselm Kiefer, who created Breaking of the Vessels in 1990, to Hiroshi Sugimoto, known for his Architecture series. Some other artists approach brutalist philosophy instead of its visual component; for example, Rachel Whiteread draws inspiration from this movement to explore memory and absence in her concrete casts of domestic spaces.

Each of these examples confirms the lasting legacy of the brutalist approach in architecture and its transformative impact on contemporary art.