When we think of unexpected installations or graffiti art in general, we don’t often imagine something life-size. However, artist David Mesguich uses his background in graffiti and years of creative experience to push the boundaries of his experimental projects. His piece, Pressure 1.2, features a massive geometric sculpture of a female figure gesturing with one raised arm, which Mesguich constructed in his studio before abandoning it near a train yard in Nantes, France.
“I wanted to confront my past practice of being a vandal to my work as a contemporary artist while questioning the concept of control of beings and spaces,” Mesguich tells My Modern Met about the work. Positioned by a fence with one arm hanging over the side, Pressure 1.2 stands at about 4 meters high, or 13 feet. The impressive size of this polygonal sculpture, coupled with the striking angular style, of its execution, makes it a very noticeable fixture of the otherwise industrial area. “It speaks of the balance I have to face between my work as a graffiti writer and as a contemporary artist,” he adds.
Interestingly, Pressure 1.2 involves more than just the sculpture of a woman. After installing the statue, Mesguich also painted the word “user” on a freight car parked close to the piece. This aspect lasted only for a day until the train ultimately left its position. But the sculpture remained where it was, stuck between the fence, until a storm damaged it, sometime later.
Scroll down to see more photos of Pressure 1.2, and be sure to follow Mesguich on Instagram so you never miss an update.
Artist David Mesguich installed a massive sculpture of a polygonal woman near a train yard in Nantes, France.
Titled Pressure 1.2, this piece stands 4 meters tall, or about 13 feet.
Mesguich painted the word “user” on a freight car in the background to add to the installation.
Watch this video for more insight into how the sculpture came together:
David Mesguich: Website | Instagram