How do artists use concrete to critique historical power structures?

Artists have long employed concrete as a medium to challenge and critique historical power structures. This durable, industrial material symbolizes permanence and authority, making it a potent tool for subversion. By shaping concrete into forms that reflect oppression, colonization, or institutional control, creators expose the rigidity and weight of these systems.

For instance, some sculptors embed fragmented historical texts or oppressive symbols within concrete, forcing viewers to confront buried narratives. Others construct imposing installations that mimic authoritarian architecture, using the material’s coldness to evoke alienation. The juxtaposition of concrete’s utilitarian origins with artistic intent highlights how power is both constructed and contested.

Contemporary works often deconstruct concrete’s associations—breaking, weathering, or repurposing it to represent resistance. Through cracks, erosion, or unexpected fragility, artists reveal the vulnerabilities within seemingly unassailable structures. This material critique invites reflection on how history is solidified—and how it might be reshaped.