An exhibition of new sculptures in steel and cast bronze. Considered "maquettes" - some for realised commissions, and others propositions for works on a monumental scale - this body of work focusses on two lines of enquiry: Shawcross's ongoing explorations of the four-sided tetrahedron as a tessellating form in his Paradigm series, and the dynamic visual potential of harmonics in his Manifold works. Installed as a singular sculptural field, the works bear relationships to both architecture and the body, and elicit a subtle line between structure and nature, the metaphysical and the molecular.
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Exhibition
Posted
October 29 2024
MICAS opens to the public, featuring works across the site by Conrad Shawcross
Works on view include The Dappled Light of the Sun, located outside the entrance to the museum, and three Beacons on the historical battlements. Within the complex rooms of the museum are a collection of lightworks that complete the presentation. Malta International Contemporary Art Space, Floriana -
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Exhibition
Posted
July 30 2024
Extended until June 2025 – Conrad Shawcross: Cascading Principles: Expansions within Geometry, Philosophy, and Interference at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford
This exhibition brings together more than 35 sculptures realised by the artist over the last 17 years. These pieces, placed across three floors, will co-exist with the Institute’s unique architecture and the intellectual concerns of its occupants as explorers at the boundaries of knowledge. Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford -
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Talk
Posted
May 16 2024
Beyond the Perception Envelope, a Discourse with Conrad Shawcross at The Royal Institution
Taking place on Friday 24 May at 7pm, this Discourse will be an evening of exploration of the interconnectivity between art and science, as both process and practice – and how humanity's insatiable curiosity fuels the development of both fields. Royal Institution -
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News story
Posted
March 11 2024
Just launched – The Library of Absence, a new conceptual book by Conrad Shawcross
Made in collaboration with chess champion Vladimir Kramnik and Éditions Take 5, the book opens into an ever-changing landscape of light patterns, a proliferation of possibilities. Shawcross and Kramnik will be in conversation on Thursday 14 March 2024 at Maison Rousseau et Littérature in Geneva. -
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Exhibition
Posted
October 27 2023
Conrad Shawcross: What is to become is already here on view as part of MICAS International Art Weekend
On view 27–29 October 2023, Malta International Contemporary Art Space previews its 2024 opening with an inaugural display of three monumental sculptures by Conrad Shawcross within the grounds of MICAS. Valletta, Malta -
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News story
Posted
October 10 2023
Conrad Shawcross creates an immersive installation for the Royal Salute space at Frieze London
A specially conceived, immersive installation by Conrad Shawcross will be on view in the Royal Salute space at Frieze London, celebrating the launch of Royal Salute Time Chamber, the artist's collaboration for the Art of Wonder Collection. Frieze London -
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Talk
Posted
September 21 2023
Talk: Patterns in Science and Art – Liliane Lijn, Marcus du Sautoy and Fatos Ustek with Conrad Shawcross
On 28 September, Conrad Shawcross will be joined by artist Liliane Lijn, curator Fatos Ustek and mathematician Marcus du Sautoy to discuss their experiences and understanding of pattern and where it has taken them in their scientific and artistic careers. Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG -
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Commission
Posted
September 18 2023
Conrad Shawcross: Manifold (Major Third) 5:4 is officially unveiled
Commissioned as part of The Crossrail Art Programme, the sculpture is positioned outside the Moorgate entrance of the Liverpool Street Elizabeth line station. Liverpool Street Elizabeth line station at Moorgate -
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Film
Posted
August 24 2023
Now available online – Envisioning Imagination, featuring Conrad Shawcross
On Thursday 27th July, Conrad Shawcross was joined in discussion with Roger Penrose and Carlo Rovelli in the second of the four part lecture series, 'Envisioning Imagination.’ The lecture was moderated by Fatos Üstek and took place at the Oxford Mathematical Institute. -
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Talk
Posted
July 24 2023
Talk: Envisioning Imagination – Roger Penrose, Carlo Rovelli and Conrad Shawcross with Fatos Ustek
This event takes place at 5pm on Thursday 27 July 2023 (now fully booked). Imagination is the creative force for artists. But what about mathematicians and scientists? What part does imagination play in their work? What do the artist and the scientist have in common? And how do each envision things that will never be seen? In this panel discussion two scientists and one artist, all leaders in their field, will provide an answer. Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, Oxford -
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News story
Posted
January 26 2023
As reported by The Guardian, Conrad Shawcross is featured in the Royal Academy of Arts auction to benefit The National Academy of Arts of Ukraine
The event, initiated and organised by The Natalia Cola Foundation and the Royal Academy of Arts, London, takes place at the RA on 28 January 2023, with 100% of funds raised donated directly to the NAAU. Royal Academy of Arts, London -
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Commission
Posted
January 19 2023
Now on view in Ramsgate until September 2023 – Conrad Shawcross: Beacons
Commissioned by local children in Ramsgate, the interactive sculptures (on view until 30 September 2023) are made from galvanised steel, painted to reference the nautical flags used in maritime signaling. Ramsgate, Kent -
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Exhibition
Posted
November 15 2022
On view at the Southbank Centre until 31 January 2023: Winter Light, featuring Conrad Shawcross
Dark Heart is on display on the roof of the Hayward Gallery as part of the Southbank's Winter Light exhibition, until 31 January 2023. Southbank Centre, London -
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Commission
Posted
September 6 2022
Enwrought Light by Conrad Shawcross is unveiled in Bedford Park
Shawcross's 4.5 metre Fracture sculpture, titled Enwrought Light in homage to the poet WB Yeats, was unveiled on 6 September in the grounds of St Michael and All Angels Church, Bedford Park, London. Bedford Park, Chiswick, London -
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News story
Posted
September 4 2022
The Observer reports on Enwrought Light by Conrad Shawcross, just unveiled in Bedford Park as a tribute to WB Yeats
‘The sculpture… is the work of the British sculptor Conrad Shawcross, and its arrival in a leafy London square will mark the end of a slow process of recognition in the area where Yeats grew up and lived well into adulthood.’ Vanessa Thorpe, The Observer -
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Exhibition
Posted
October 19 2021
Conrad Shawcross features in To the Edge of Time at Universiteitsbibliotheek Leuven
The exhibition (22 October 2021–16 January 2022) showcases the kinetic light sculpture Slow Arc Inside a Cube XI, and ties into the artist’s fascination with and exploration of the principles of physics and mathematics. Leuven, Belgium -
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Talk
Posted
March 26 2021
Carlo Rovelli in conversation with Conrad Shawcross
The Royal Institution hosts this online event (Tuesday 6 April, 7–8.30pm) featuring Carlo Rovelli in conversation with artist Conrad Shawcross to explore the idea of the quantum, whose meaning is enigmatic and still fiercely debated today. -
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Exhibition
Posted
July 26 2020
Escalations, an exhibition by Conrad Shawcross at Château La Coste, is extended until 6 September 2020
Situated at three sites spread across the grounds, the exhibition (extended until 6 September 2020) explores the artists continued relationship with geometry and philosophy, physics and metaphysics. Château La Coste, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France -
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Exhibition
Posted
May 2 2020
Work by Conrad Shawcross goes on view at Salisbury Cathedral – take a virtual tour of the exhibition and read a digital copy of the catalogue
In celebration of the 800th anniversary of the laying of its foundation stones, Salisbury Cathedral presents the exhibition Celebrating 800 years of Spirit and Endeavour. Conrad Shawcross’s monumental sculpture Formation I (The Dappled Light of the Sun) is featured as part of a series of sculptures on the grounds of the cathedral. Salisbury, Wiltshire -
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News story
Posted
April 6 2020
Conrad Shawcross is the 2020 patron of Art UK
The online home for every public art collection in the UK, Art UK collaborates with over 3,200 British institutions opening up the UK's art collections for enjoyment, learning and research. -
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Exhibition
Posted
March 1 2020
Conrad Shawcross features in Under the Stars at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
The exhibition (21 March–20 September 2020) presents examples of stargazing and mapping by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, highlighting the commonalities and connections in our shared attempts to understand the night sky and our place in relation to it. Sydney, Australia -
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News story
Posted
February 25 2020
Victoria Miro presents works by Conrad Shawcross at The Armory Show
Victoria Miro participates in The Armory Show (Booth 600) with a solo presentation of new and recent works by Conrad Shawcross. Booth 600, Pier 94, New York City -
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News
Posted
November 16 2019
Designboom writes about Bicameral, a new public sculpture for London by Conrad Shawcross
Bicameral has been unveiled at Chelsea Barracks – a major real estate development in central london. The piece is the first artwork to be installed as part of a program of public commissions for the new neighborhood. Located in close proximity to london's oldest botanical garden, Bicameral seeks to reflect the area's rich botanical history, while paying homage to the materials and craftsmanship at the heart of the new masterplan. Designboom -
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Commission
Posted
November 7 2019
Conrad Shawcross: Bicameral is unveiled at Chelsea Barracks
Made of anodised aluminium, standing 8m tall and with 693 component parts which cascade down in scale as they radiate out, Bicameral is an unprecedented structure, created entirely without welding whilst using techniques drawn from Japanese wood joinery. Chelsea Barracks, London -
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Commission
Posted
October 19 2019
Now open – the Comcast Technology Center, featuring a site-specific work by Conrad Shawcross
The new Comcast Technology Center building, designed by Foster + Partners, in Philadelphia, features a major site-specific sculpture by the artist. Philadelphia, PA -
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News story
Posted
October 16 2019
Conrad Shawcross to create a major new work for Ramsgate Royal Harbour in 2020
In connection with Turner Contemporary, Shawcross has been commissioned by local primary school children to make a new work for the Kent town. Ramsgate, Kent -
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Event
Posted
September 17 2019
When science meets art: Marcus du Sautoy and Conrad Shawcross
In this talk (Royal Academy of Arts, 25 September 2019), Mathematician Professor Marcus du Sautoy and Royal Academician Conrad Shawcross will explore how themes of possibility, imagination and philosophical thinking are shared by art and science. This event will be chaired by Samira Ahmed, journalist, writer, broadcaster and presenter for BBC Radio 4 Front Row and BBC one programme Newswatch. Royal Academy of Arts, London -
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Exhibition
Posted
September 17 2019
Conrad Shawcross features in the Science Museum exhibition The Art of Innovation: From Enlightenment to Dark Matter
The exhibition (25 September 2019–26 January 2020) explores the relationship between science and art over the past 250 years, and how it has helped to interpret, study and explore the world around us. Science Museum, London -
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Exhibition
Posted
July 12 2019
Sweet Harmony: Rave Today, featuring Conrad Shawcross
As part of this exhibition (12 July–14 September 2019) about the impact of acid house and rave culture, Shawcross presents Golden Lotus (Inverted), a 1981 Lotus Elite, stripped of its engine and overturned, that rotates to a specially-composed soundtrack by Mylo. Saatchi Gallery, London -
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Exhibition
Posted
July 5 2019
Sculptures by Conrad Shawcross are installed in the gardens of Wilton Crescent
Three sculptures — Formation II (The Dappled Light of the Sun), 2015, Manifold 5:4, 2016, and Paradigm B (Solid), 2019 — are installed in the private gardens of Wilton Crescent, SW1, and are viewable from the street. Wilton Crescent, London, SW1 -
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Exhibition
Posted
June 7 2019
Conrad Shawcross’ Chord on view at The Jute Shed, Halifax
Shawcross exhibits Chord at the Jute Shed (22 June–21 July 2019), part of the vast and historic Dean Clough Mills in Halifax. This is the first time the work has been shown since 2009. The Jute Shed, Halifax -
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Exhibition
Posted
May 16 2019
Conrad Shawcross’ Monolith (Optic) and Optic Labyrinth are featured in Pilane Sculpture Park 2019
Installed on a rocky outcrop in Pilane, Sweden (opening 18 May 2019), Monolith (Optic) appears to change endlessly according to shifting light conditions. Pilane, Sweden -
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Exhibition
Posted
April 6 2019
Conrad Shawcross features in Negative Space: Trajectories of Sculpture at ZKM, Karlsruhe
Slow Fold Inside a Corner, 2018, is on view as part of as part of Negative Space: Trajectories of Sculpture (6 April–11 August 20190. The exhibition is a continuation of a show first staged at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris in 1986, that sought to question 'what is modern sculpture?'. Karlsruhe, Germany -
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Interview
Posted
January 4 2019
HENI Talks – Maths, Alchemy, Art: The Sculptural Practice of Conrad Shawcross
In this HENI Talk, Conrad Shawcross discusses his work including his recent inspiration: moiré. This dazzling mathematical phenomenon, also known as an interference pattern, is something that many creators – from filmmakers to engineers – seek to avoid. Yet Shawcross has harnessed and honed this beguiling phenomenon – at once still and shifting – into sculptures which make us doubt our visual experience. Indeed, Shawcross’s art questions what we may take for granted, encouraging us to see beyond the everyday. HENI Talks -
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Review
Posted
December 12 2018
Wallpaper* features Conrad Shawcross: Psychogeometries
'What strikes you immediately when reading it: Shawcross’ practice is remarkably complex. Hang from every word as he jumps from reference to reference, from the philosophy of science, to childrens’ toys, Greek mythology, Renaissance architecture and Buckminster Fuller.' Elly Parsons, Wallpaper* -
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Event
Posted
October 2 2018
Conrad Shawcross presents Exploding Paradigms and Parallax Disruptions as part of the Frick Collection’s Artists, Poets, and Writers Lecture Series
The free lecture (6–7pm, 17 October 2018) outlines the breadth of his practice, focusing specifically on recent works from his two series Paradigms and Optics. The Frick Collection, New York -
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Interview
Posted
September 18 2018
Conrad Shawcross discusses his new exhibition with Wallpaper*
'I’m still bamboozled by the way this simple shape can form these tendril like structures that branch out and don’t join into themselves again.' Tom Seymour, Wallpaper* -
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Review
Posted
September 14 2018
The Guardian reviews Conrad Shawcross: After the Explosion, Before the Collapse
★★★★ 'They suggest natural forms both organic and inorganic: the multifacted brilliance of minerals, the interlocking cells of plants.' Jonathan Jones, The Guardian -
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Interview
Posted
September 11 2018
Conrad Shawcross talks to the Evening Standard ahead of his new exhibition at Victoria Miro Mayfair
'… It’s almost like a lightbulb that’s just shattered and you’ve taken a photo before it all just crumbles to the ground.' Ben Luke, The Evening Standard -
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News
Posted
July 31 2018
Read our online publication for Conrad Shawcross: Optic Labyrinth (Arrangement I)
A new publication on the occasion of Frieze Sculpture 2018, featuring an interview with the artist, images and a film of the work on view in Regent's Park. -
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Channel
July 19 2018
Conrad Shawcross, Optic Labyrinth (Arrangement I), 2018
For Frieze Sculpture 2018, selected by Clare Lilley, Director of Programme, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Conrad Shawcross has created a new work, titled Optic Labyrinth (Arrangement I), 2018. Taking the form of a simple immersive maze, the work engages with the sun and its shifting position throughout the day and the seasons, focusing specifically on how people navigate and orientate themselves both emotionally and physically in relation to its rise and fall. -
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Exhibition
Posted
June 21 2018
Conrad Shawcross: MATRIX 179 at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
The exhibition (21 June–21 October 2018) celebrates the premiere of Shawcross’ sculpture Monolith (Optic), 2016, on Main Street in front of the Wadsworth Atheneum. The accompanying exhibition will feature additional sculptures, models and a slow-moving light machine. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, Connecticut -
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News story
Posted
March 13 2018
Conrad Shawcross to create a major new public artwork for the Elizabeth line at Liverpool Street
'Manifold' will be a bronze sculpture positioned outside the Moorgate entrance of the Elizabeth line station. -
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News
Posted
March 2 2018
Conrad Shawcross’ The Optic Cloak wins a World Architecture News Award
The Greenwich Peninsula Low Carbon Energy Centre, by C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with Conrad Shawcross, wins in the category of Metal in Architecture. -
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Exhibition
Posted
February 22 2018
Conrad Shawcross at Harbour Arts Sculpture Park, Hong Kong
Two works are displayed as part of Harbour Arts Sculpture Park (22 February–11 April 2018). The artist will also take part in The GREAT Festival of Innovation and Art Basel Hong Kong Dialogue Series. Hong Kong -
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Exhibition
Posted
July 27 2017
Conrad Shawcross in Now Wakes the Sea at The Glucksman, Cork
Titled after the 1963 short story by JG Ballard, the exhibition (4 August - 5 November 2017) considers a resurgence of interest in the sea in contemporary art practices. The Glucksman, Cork -
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Exhibition
Posted
July 7 2017
Conrad Shawcross’ Monolith (Optic) at New Art Centre, Roche Court
Monolith (Optic), 2016, is on view in the Sculpture Park. Roche Court, East Winterslow, Wiltshire -
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Channel
June 27 2017
The making of Conrad Shawcross’ The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), on display at St Pancras International
The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue) is Conrad Shawcross RA’s largest mechanical work to date, stretching out to a 16m diameter as it methodically turns above St Pancras International station. It marks the fifth year of the Terrace Wires public sculpture commission at the station and the third in partnership with the Royal Academy. The commission is the Royal Academy’s only external public sculpture series in London and is free to view. Film courtesy Terrace Wires in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts. -
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News story
Posted
June 23 2017
Louisa Buck reports on Conrad Shawcross’s Terrace Wires commission in The Art Newspaper
"The latest commission in the station’s Terrace Wires public art programme is an awesome technical feat…" Louisa Buck, The Art Newspaper -
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Commission
Posted
June 22 2017
The 2017 Terrace Wires commission by Conrad Shawcross is unveiled at St Pancras International
The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), 2017, is the artist's most ambitious mechanical work to date. St Pancras International, London -
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Interview
Posted
June 22 2017
Conrad Shawcross talks to the Financial Times about his Terrace Wires Commission
The artist talks to James Pickford about The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), his new commission for St Pancras International. Photo © Tim P. Whitby/Getty. The Financial Times James Pickford -
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Interview
Posted
June 22 2017
Conrad Shawcross interviewed by GQ about his Terrace Wires commission
“I was interested in this very familiar object. We’re all taught at school how to tell the time, but actually it’s a very difficult thing to learn." GQ Ailis Brennan -
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Interview
Posted
June 22 2017
Disegno talks to Conrad Shawcross about The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue) at St Pancras International
"I am interested in an abstract machine having political potential.” Disegno -
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Interview
Posted
June 15 2017
Conrad Shawcross talks to Wallpaper* about his forthcoming Terrace Wires commission for St Pancras International
‘I hope it will have this real Brunelian scale of ambition.’ Nick Compton, Wallpaper* -
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Interview
Posted
June 8 2017
Conrad Shawcross discusses his work on the FT Everything Else Podcast
"Dystopian dreams and robotic sculpture", the latest FT culture podcast features an interview with Conrad Shawcross, who discusses his work, including In Light of The Machine, his new commission for the Barbican's exhibition Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction. FT.com -
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Exhibition
Posted
June 3 2017
Conrad Shawcross’ new commission for the Barbican’s Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction
A new commission by Shawcross uses light, movement and sound to create an installation that takes over The Pit theatre space (3 June - 1 September 2017). Barbican Centre, London -
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Interview
Posted
June 2 2017
Conrad Shawcross talks to It's Nice That about his installation for the Barbican's Into the Unknown: A Journey through Science Fiction
'The “riddle and mystery” is what drives Conrad and the ambiguity within the project has remained with it all the way through to installation…'. It's Nice That Rebecca Fulleylove -
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Commission
Posted
June 1 2017
Conrad Shawcross announced as the artist for the 2017 Terrace Wires commission
The Interpretation of Movement (a 9:8 in blue), 2017, will be unveiled at St Pancras International station on the morning of Thursday 22 June 2017. St Pancras International, London -
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Exhibition
Posted
April 15 2017
Conrad Shawcross and Jules de Balincourt in The Universe and Art at ArtScience Museum Singapore
The exhibition (1 April - 30 July 2017) is an artistic voyage through the cosmos, exploring where we came from and where we are going. ArtScience Museum, Singapore -
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Exhibition
Posted
April 15 2017
Conrad Shawcross in Socle du Monde Biennale 2017
Shawcross presents an iteration of 'The Ada Project' as part of the Danish biennial (21 April - 27 August 2017). Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, Denmark
