Ivan Black

Ivan Black was born in London in 1972. He studied at Middlesex University before embarking on a career in carpentry and then interior design. He recently left this work and London behind, to concentrate on sculpture.

Since making a flower out of fuse wire at age 16, Ivan has been fascinated with the medium. His subject matter has included articulated robots, life size figurative works and portraits. Lately he has concentrated on making kinetic sculptures. His first major show last year in Holland Park, where he exhibited all of his back catalogue, was a sell-out.

Through his exploration of mobile forms, Ivan has recently taken his work in a highly original direction. The method which he has found to hang lateral elements is unique, the movement provoked by hanging elements in this way, mesmeric.

Ivan is exploring the creation of complex, fluid forms through the repetition of simple static elements. To this end, he has employed various materials to emphasise both form and movement. Various weights and beads act as ballast, add colour and at night, a luminous element to many of his pieces. Having worked with copper wire for several years, he has moved on to stainless steel, which is far less easy to manipulate by hand.

One of his kinetic sculptures will be reproduced in the tens of thousands, when it is manufactured for worldwide distribution, later in 2002. Having realised his ambition to share his work with many, he is now hoping for the opportunity to see his work writ large.

Ivan lives and works in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.