Anton Alvarez

Anton Alvarez’s (b.1980) sculptural forms explore the relationship between human creation and mechanical apparatus. His practice focuses on technical innovation, designing systems and tools which produce fully formed objects and architecture. While remaining at the forefront of his methods, Alvarez allows his machines to dictate the aesthetics of his work. Form and texture are determined by The Extruder, a self-constructed, 3 tonne ceramic press which discharges huge columns of warped clay. While subtly dictating the direction his works take, Alvarez prefers his sculptures to appear as if they had been made within nature. Thus, he opts to use wood, ceramic, and thread, materials we interact with daily. Affording his sculptures a level of autonomy, Alvarez establishes a direct line of communication between his works and his audience.

Alvarez graduated from the Royal College of Art, London in 2012. Recent solo exhibitions include Roman Toothpaste MXXI at Vandalorum, Sweden (2021), and The Flavour is So Strong at Larsen Warner, Sweden (2019). Alvarez’s first monograph Anton Alvarez: The Thread Wrapping Machine was published by Arvinius + Orfeus Publishing in 2015. His work is included in the public collections of the National museum, Stockholm, Denver Art Museum, USA, and the Röhsska Museum, Sweden.

He lives and works in Stockholm.