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Tanja's Take: Damien Keown, King of the Tank Boys

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Damien Keown, An Australian Artist And Photographer Who Is Known For His Large Scale Sculptures Made From Recycled Materials, Particularly Old Oil Tanks Tank Boys Damien Keown

Damien Keown is an Australian artist and photographer whose body of work explores themes of environmentalism, consumerism, and the human condition. He is best known for his large-scale sculptures made from recycled materials, particularly old oil tanks. His unique style and thought-provoking creations have gained international acclaim and made him a prominent figure in the contemporary art world.

Tank Boys

by Damien Keown

4 out of 5

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Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Damien Keown was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1968. He began his artistic journey at an early age, showing a keen interest in drawing, painting, and photography. After completing high school, Keown enrolled at the Victorian College of the Arts, where he studied painting and printmaking.

During his time at art school, Keown became intrigued by the potential of found objects and recycled materials. He saw value in discarded items, recognizing their ability to convey narratives and address environmental concerns. This interest would later shape the direction of his artistic practice.

The Birth of "Tank Boys"

In 1995, Keown stumbled upon a yard filled with discarded fuel tanks. The industrial, cylindrical forms sparked his imagination, and he saw the potential for creating sculptures that would critique consumer culture and environmental degradation.

Using these tanks as his primary medium, Keown began constructing his renowned "Tank Boys." These monumental sculptures depict human figures with elongated limbs, often posed in dynamic and theatrical gestures. The tanks are flattened, cut, welded, and transformed into angular bodies and limbs, highlighting the industrial origins of the material.

Environmental Commentary

Keown's "Tank Boys" sculptures carry a powerful environmental message. The use of discarded tanks directly confronts issues of waste and pollution. The artist points to the unsustainable consumption practices of modern society and the environmental consequences that arise from them.

Through his sculptures, Keown hopes to raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste and living more sustainably. He challenges viewers to consider the environmental impact of their everyday choices and to rethink their relationship with the consumer culture that often drives excessive consumption.

Exploring the Human Condition

While environmentalism is a central theme in Keown's work, he also explores the human condition through his "Tank Boys" sculptures. The elongated limbs and exaggerated poses lend a theatrical quality to the figures, evoking a sense of both vulnerability and resilience.

The sculptures often depict human emotions and experiences, such as joy, sadness, struggle, and triumph. By creating these anthropomorphic forms, Keown invites viewers to contemplate their own humanity and the shared experiences that connect us all.

International Recognition and Impact

Damien Keown's unique style and thought-provoking sculptures have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim on the international art scene. His work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and institutions around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.

Keown's art has resonated with audiences globally, prompting discussions about environmentalism, consumerism, and the human experience. His sculptures have become iconic symbols of social and environmental concerns, inspiring countless artists and activists alike.

Collaborations and Public Art

In addition to his large-scale sculptures, Keown has also collaborated on various public art projects. These collaborations have further extended the reach and impact of his work, bringing his environmental message to wider audiences.

One notable collaboration was with the City of Melbourne in 2009. Keown created a series of "Tank Boy" sculptures that were installed along the banks of the Yarra River. These sculptures served as a reminder of the importance of protecting the river and its surrounding environment.

Artistic Legacy and Inspiration

Damien Keown's contribution to contemporary art is significant and long-lasting. His innovative use of recycled materials and his thought-provoking subject matter have challenged traditional notions of sculpture and prompted important conversations about environmentalism and the human condition.

Keown's work continues to inspire artists and provoke audiences alike. His "Tank Boys" sculptures have become a powerful symbol of environmental consciousness and human resilience, reminding us of the need to live more sustainably and to strive for a more just and equitable world.

Damien Keown is a visionary artist whose work speaks to urgent environmental and social issues of our time. Through his "Tank Boys" sculptures, he confronts consumer culture, highlights waste and pollution, and explores the human condition with poignancy and humor. Keown's unique style and artistic vision have earned him international acclaim and cemented his place as a leading voice in contemporary art. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the legacy of Damien Keown's work will continue to inspire and challenge, encouraging us to rethink our relationship with the environment and each other.

Tank Boys

by Damien Keown

4 out of 5