ETIENNE VIARD

b. 1954, France

Etienne Viard’s work is based solidly in the minimalist movement, within which Viard reduces minimalism’s aesthetic vocabulary to one simple element : the line. Viard’s line is fragmented, pulled long, rounded, laid down flat or stood up straight, delicately fighting gravity in a fragile equilibrium. Inspired by the undulating forms of plants and minerals, Viard renders this organic movement in his sculptures, creating a perpetual and precarious energetic tension. Etienne Viard is called a ‘sculptor of steel’ – the Corten steel he uses oxidizes in contact with the air, allowing his sculptures to pay homage to their inspiration, while standing proudly apart.

About Corten steel :
” The Corten steel is a self- patinated steel forced to surface corrosion , used for its appearance and weather resistance , in architecture, construction and art mainly outdoor sculpture. The most renowned sculptors work with Corten steel is the American Richard Serra, the French Bernar Venet and Philippe Desloubières , Spaniard Eduardo Chillida, the French Etienne Viard, and the Franco – Mexican Jorge Dubon .”