How do artists use concrete to explore themes of impermanence?
Artists often turn to concrete, a material synonymous with permanence, to ironically explore themes of impermanence. By exposing concrete to natural elements or intentional erosion, they highlight its vulnerability over time. Sculptures crack, surfaces weather, and structures crumble, mirroring the fleeting nature of human existence. Contemporary creators like Rachel Whiteread and Doris Salcedo use concrete to evoke memory and loss, transforming rigid forms into poignant commentaries on transience. The juxtaposition of concrete’s industrial strength with its eventual decay challenges viewers to reflect on time, resilience, and the inevitability of change. Through installations and public art, these works invite a dialogue about what endures—and what fades away.
