Social Conscience

Social Conscience

Any art form is considered to be the best when it can engage the viewers, generates discussion, and also induces a change phenomenon. This ideology applies to Michael Alfano, a Massachusetts-based professional sculptor that has a knack in creating surreal sculptures that use the human body and face to present the philosophical ideas. He believes that the sculptures created by him have varied meanings, which are then differently interpreted by the viewers as soon as they see it.

Michael Alfano also known as Sculptor with a Social Conscience is in this field since 20 years and has been well known for blurring the between figurative and abstract art as almost all his pieces focus on both the aspects to create a thought-provoking structure that represents complex thoughts and phrases in a refreshingly imaginative way. In fact, the significant influencers behind his artwork include well-known names such as Jean-Antione Houdon, Salvador Dali, and Jo Davidson, followed by Buddhist, Sufi, and Taoism as well as other eastern philosophy and literature.

He utilizes traditional methods and tools to create these masterpieces, and the work is primarily done in bronze, cold-cast copper, or resin that then compels the viewers to think and understand and experience the intricacies of life to the fullest. Let’s dwell more into a detailed information about the material.

Bronze: This material is used widely on account of its extreme durability as well as its availability ib various patinas. The best part is that it is suitable for outdoor usage and requires minimal maintenance that can last for centuries.

Resin: This maiterla provides structural strength to the fiberglass and is also available in faux bronze.

Cold cast copper and bonded bronze: the best part with this material is that the metal powders bonds well with the resin and also offer a lower-priced alternative to bronze.

The process

Michael Alfano usually starts his artwork by sketching the initial idea on paper, but mostly he begins by sculpting a small clay or wax model. To create the full-size sculpture, he then focuses on using oil-based clay, and the process can take place form a few days to even months. He has often stated that as soon as he digs into clay, then the emphasis is laid on pulling out a vision that previously existed nowhere but only in his head or a place which is not known to him but he is in touch with. In the final step, he works with the specialists to create a mold and casting in either cold cast copper, bronze, or resin. Once the casting is done, then a finishing touch is given by Michael, which is then signed, and its limited editions are numbered. These can then be found in private collections, parks, museums, and galleries around the world. In fact, his artwork has been covered in numerous publications as well, such as the New York Times and the Boston Globe, etc.

Some of his public and Monumental Art includes;

A peace offering: a famous bench that uses oversized hands, which are the wings of a dove and a tail that transforms into a hawk. This functional sculpture invites two people to sit down and work on their differences to attain both personal and world peace.

Gates of Transcendence: It is a face split in the middle that represents two sides to every situation. They also express different perspectives when the sculpture is viewed from the front, behind, and even while walking between. It is just like taking a symbolic journey to break free from the facades to get a clear and novel view about life.