Jonathan Borofsky stands out as a prominent figure in contemporary American sculpture. His large-scale, odd sculptures in the form of human figures are deeply symbolic and thought-provoking. Here is a deeper glance into Borofsky’s creative activity and the nuances of his visual language.

Odd Sculptures by Jonathan Borofsky

Born in 1942, Jonathan Borofsky gained prominence in the American and international art scene in the 1970s-1980s due to his unique blend of Minimalism, Pop Art, and conceptual art in sculpture. Experts point out the recurrent themes of numbers and human figures in his creative activity, which bear the in-depth symbolism related to labor, ambition, and the uniqueness of the human experience.

Main Features of Borofsky’s Visual Language

There are a couple of signature elements that can be seen in almost all artworks by Borofsky. The main of them include:

• Numbers. Borofsky is known for his obsession with counting, which started in 1969, so many of his sculptures contain sequences of numbers.
• Human figures. Moving human figures are also a frequent theme in Borofsky’s art, with many well-known sculptures featuring running, climbing, and walking people. These images reflect the artist’s lifelong journey of exploring human evolution, ambition, and persistence.
• Dreams and consciousness. Surreal conceptual sculptures reflect Borofsky’s quest for the exploration of the unconscious dimension of human experience.
• Industrial elements. The sculptor uses industrial materials like steel, aluminum, and fiberglass in his work to add durability and contemporary aesthetics to his creations.

Best-Known Works by Jonathan Borofsky

The most famous odd sculptures by Borofsky include:

• The “Hammering Man” series. This series of large kinetic sculptures was created by Borofsky in 1981-1992. They are located in many large cities across the world, including Seattle, Seoul, and Frankfurt. “Hammering Man” sculptures symbolize the labor of the working class and the human contribution to the Industrial Revolution.
• “Molecule Man.” This 100-foot work, created in 1981, is located in the Spree River in Berlin. It represents a fusion of three perforated human figures and serves as a symbol of human unity.
• “People Tower.” This sculpture features 136 brightly painted steel figures interconnected in a tower-like manner. Located in the Olympic Park of Beijing, it was created in 2008 to symbolize the unifying power and diversity of international sports.

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