Braham Stevens

Braham Stevens (born 1969) is an Australian sculptor whose work is influenced by networks of human activity, environmental processes and the intricate patterns found in nature and science.

Stevens installing 'E M B R A C E' Performing Arts Precinct Cairns 2016
'S Y N T H E S I S' 2022

He is best known for his site-specific large-scale National works of public art that are conceived to engage with their environments and surroundings,[1] such as Embrace Cairns performing arts precinct,[2] Reflection at James Cook University,[3] Drift Wellington Point Brisbane,[4] Into the Blue City of Rockingham Foreshore, Western Australia,[5] Guulbughul Reconciliation Rocks Cape York[6] and Eye on the Horizon at Port Kembla, Headland Wollongong.[7]

Early life and education

Following the early death of his father, Stevens started creating art with found recycled materials as an escape from the hardship, poverty and social stigma. Spending his youth working as a labourer on vast outback station properties in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia - likened by the artist to the sustained hands-on physicality and meditative processes of stone and metal sculpture.

In his early years he regularly attended life drawing and portraiture classes at Albury College, later studying Industrial Arts, Applied Arts and Metal Smithing at Melbourne Technical College.

Relocating to Europe and London in the late 1980s, Stevens was an active participant in the vibrant Carnaby Street art and music collective subculture.

Initially creating ephemeral art with found natural materials - including mudlarking on the River Thames,

Stevens' later experimentation with stone, recycled metal and alloy, helped develop evolving techniques and processes to make more permanent durable structures that could withstand time and the elements.

Career - major public artwork commissions

Stevens' most prominent public works include:

  • EMBRACE & REFLECTION - In 2016 Stevens was commissioned by the City of Cairns to create a 9m and 5m high linking public art installation that celebrated the ongoing interrelationship between James Cook University and the City[8]
  • DRIFT - Sand, Sea & Sky - In 2018 Stevens’ Abstract Triptych Concept based on Stingrays won the national competition for the gateway commission to Stradbroke Island Brisbane.
  • INTO THE BLUE - In 2019 Stevens was commissioned to create an iconic foreshore precinct sculpture for the City of Rockingham Western Australia.[9] It was modelled on an eagle ray, prominently positioned and 6m high[5]
  • GUULBUGHUL (all together) - In late 2020 Stevens was commissioned by the Bama-ngay Traditional Custodians and Elders to create a Landmark Installation for the Heritage Listed Reconciliation Rocks Cultural Precinct in Cape York Far North Queensland. His collaboration with LA3 landscape architects being awarded the Landscape Institute of Architects Australia best cultural project in 2022[10]
Bama-ngay Ancestral Elder Reconciliation Rocks Cape York.
  • EYE ON THE HORIZON - In mid 2021 Stevens was awarded a national commission from the Federal Government to design a landmark World War II commemorative artwork for the City of Wollongong NSW.[11]

[2][8][4][12][13][14][6][10][15][7]

References
  1. Edwards, Grace (2017-10-13). "Map - Cairns Arts and Culture Map". cairns.artsandculturemap.com.au. Retrieved 2022-09-11.
  2. Campbell, Jim (2016-08-02). "New public art unveiled in Cairns". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  3. Inglis, Liz (2016-08-16). "Sculpture reflects future endeavour - Aug 2016". www.jcu.edu.au.
  4. Williams, Wendy (2019-02-22). "Stingray artwork installed at Wellington Point". Redland City Bulletin. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  5. Cochrane, Donna (2019-11-28). "Public Art - City of Rockingham". Retrieved 2022-08-20.
  6. Sullivan, Kimberly (2021-03-10). "'Tears of joy' as Reconciliation Rocks artworks installed — Cook Shire Council". www.cook.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  7. Savage, Desiree (2022-04-26). "New sculpture at Port Kembla's historic military site unveiled". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  8. McCormack, Mark (2016-08-17). "Second sculpture sheds wraps". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  9. Salt, Hannah (2019-11-29). "New artwork installed at Rockingham Foreshore". coastlive.com.au. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
  10. Newman, Gabe (2022-07-10). "Reconciliation Rocks recognised — Cook Shire Council". Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  11. Savage, Desiree (April 26, 2022). "New sculpture at Port Kembla's historic military site unveiled". Illawarra Mercury.
  12. https://rockingham.wa.gov.au/events,-culture-and-tourism/arts-and-culture/public-art
  13. "Into the Blue Eagle Ray". Western Australia. Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  14. "MEDIA RELEASE | Larger than life artworks to celebrate Cooktown's Reconciliation Rocks — Cook Shire Council". Retrieved 2022-08-13.
  15. https://www.gg.gov.au/about-governor-general/governor-generals-program/canberra-australian-capital-territory-cooktown-queensland
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