Braham Stevens Explained

Braham Stevens (born 1968) is an Australian artist whose work is influenced by environmental processes and the intricate networks found in nature and science.

He is best known for his site-specific large-scale works of public art that are conceived to engage with their surroundings - ^[1] such as Embrace Cairns performing arts precinct, Reflection at James Cook University,^[2] Drift Wellington Point Brisbane, Into the Blue City of Rockingham Foreshore, Western Australia,^[3] Guulbughul Reconciliation Rocks Cape York and Eye on the Horizon at Port Kembla, Headland Wollongong.

Early life and education

Since early childhood, Stevens has experienced a deep self-affirming connection and fascination with the natural world. His ongoing direct engagement with the wilderness emotionally reinforces and energises his creativity and practice.

In his early years Stevens regularly attended life drawing and portraiture classes at Albury Technical/Arts and Crafts College, later studying Applied Arts and Metal Smithing at Melbourne Technical College and Industrial Arts and Commercial Design at North East London Polytechnic.Relocating to Europe and London in the late 1980s, Stevens was an active participant in the vibrant Carnaby Street art and music collective subculture.

Initially creating ephemeral art with found natural materials - including mudlarking on the River Thames, Stevens' later experimentation with stone, recycled metal and alloy, helped develop evolving techniques and processes to make more permanent durable structures that could withstand time and the elements.

Career - major public artwork commissions

Stevens' diverse multi-disciplinary professional career has transversed multiple mediums, scale, techniques and dynamic processes, he has exhibited in Australia and Internationally since the 1990's, his most prominent public works include:

• EMBRACE & REFLECTION - In 2016 Stevens was commissioned by the City of Cairns to create a 9m and 5m high linking public art installation that celebrated the ongoing interrelationship between James Cook University and the City
• DRIFT - Sand, Sea & Sky - In 2018 Stevens’ Abstract Triptych Concept based on Stingrays won the national competition for the gateway commission to Stradbroke Island Brisbane.
• INTO THE BLUE - In 2019 Stevens was commissioned to create an iconic foreshore precinct sculpture for the City of Rockingham Western Australia.^[4] It was modelled on an eagle ray, prominently positioned and 6m high^[3]
• GUULBUGHUL (all together) - In late 2020 Stevens was commissioned by the Bama-ngay Traditional Custodians and Elders to create a Landmark Installation for the Heritage Listed Reconciliation Rocks Cultural Precinct in Cape York Far North Queensland. His collaboration with LA3 landscape architects being awarded the Landscape Institute of Architects Australia best cultural project in 2022
• EYE ON THE HORIZON - In mid 2021 Stevens was awarded a national commission from the Federal Government to design a landmark World War II commemorative artwork for the City of Wollongong NSW.^[5]

^{[6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Edwards . Grace . 2017-10-13 . Map - Cairns Arts and Culture Map . 2022-09-11 . cairns.artsandculturemap.com.au.
2. Web site: Inglis . Liz . 2016-08-16 . Sculpture reflects future endeavour - Aug 2016 . www.jcu.edu.au.
3. Web site: Cochrane . Donna . 2019-11-28 . Public Art - City of Rockingham . 2022-08-20.
4. Web site: Salt . Hannah . 2019-11-29 . New artwork installed at Rockingham Foreshore . 2022-08-19 . coastlive.com.au.
5. Web site: Savage . Desiree . April 26, 2022 . New sculpture at Port Kembla's historic military site unveiled . Illawarra Mercury.
6. News: Campbell . Jim . 2016-08-02 . New public art unveiled in Cairns . The Cairns Post . 2022-08-13.
7. News: McCormack . Mark . 2016-08-17 . Second sculpture sheds wraps . The Cairns Post . 2022-08-13.
8. Web site: Williams . Wendy . 2019-02-22 . Stingray artwork installed at Wellington Point . 2022-08-13 . Redland City Bulletin . en-AU.
9. https://rockingham.wa.gov.au/events,-culture-and-tourism/arts-and-culture/public-art
10. Web site: Into the Blue Eagle Ray . 2022-08-13 . Western Australia . en-AU.
11. News: MEDIA RELEASE Larger than life artworks to celebrate Cooktown's Reconciliation Rocks — Cook Shire Council . en . 2022-08-13.
12. Web site: Sullivan . Kimberly . 2021-03-10 . 'Tears of joy' as Reconciliation Rocks artworks installed — Cook Shire Council . 2022-08-13 . www.cook.qld.gov.au . en.
13. News: Newman . Gabe . 2022-07-10 . Reconciliation Rocks recognised — Cook Shire Council . en . 2022-08-13.
14. https://www.gg.gov.au/about-governor-general/governor-generals-program/canberra-australian-capital-territory-cooktown-queensland
15. Web site: Savage . Desiree . 2022-04-26 . New sculpture at Port Kembla's historic military site unveiled . 2022-08-13 . Illawarra Mercury . en-AU.