Abstract and Figurative Sculpture Trends in Contemporary Art

Many people mistakenly conflate modern art with contemporary art, despite their significant differences. Modern art refers to an era that concluded long ago with artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore. Contemporary art, on the other hand, encompasses a broader spectrum that includes both artists who are still creating today and those who have passed in recent decades. Ultra-contemporary art is a more recent term that specifically describes works by actively working artists. My sculptures and entire body of work, therefore, belong to the domain of ultra-contemporary sculpture art.

Figurative and Abstract Sculpture in My Work

There are distinct vertical and horizontal layers to my sculptural work. One of the primary ways to categorize it is through the lens of figurative and abstract sculpture. While these categories may seem clear-cut at first glance, my work often blurs the line between them, inviting audiences to engage in deeper interpretation.

Figurative Sculpture: Depicting the Imaginative

Figurative sculpture is traditionally defined as work that represents recognizable forms, whether human, animal, or fantastical. However, in my artistic practice, the notion of figurative extends beyond direct representation and carves into the world of the imaginary. Many of my sculptures are, in fact, figurative, even if they do not immediately appear so.

My work is deeply influenced by speculative themes, primarily focused on space, the universe, and extraterrestrial life. By depicting fictional, speculative, or non-existent beings, my sculptures often lack immediate recognition, causing audiences to perceive them as abstract. However, from my perspective, they remain figurative because they represent tangible or imagined forms—albeit unfamiliar ones.

A prime example is my Galactic Fossils series. These sculptures depict remnants of speculative alien species, fossilized records of life that might have existed on exoplanets beyond our current understanding. The concept of fossils immediately suggests a connection to biological history, making these sculptures inherently figurative. However, their unconventional forms and lack of direct human or earthly reference lead many to interpret them as abstract. This duality between perception and intent is one of the most intriguing aspects of my figurative work.

My interactive and transformable sculptures further deepen this complexity. Some of my larger Galactic Fossils allow for movement and interaction, shifting their structure and form depending on the viewer’s engagement. This interactivity bridges the gap between traditional figurative sculpture and a more dynamic, interpretive experience.

The Abstract Dimension in My Work

While much of my work is figurative in essence, I also create sculptures that are purely abstract. Even within abstraction, there are layers and distinctions to consider. My approach to non-figurative sculpture falls into at least two primary subcategories.

Galactic Pottery: Semi-Figurative Abstraction

One of the most prominent non-figurative trends in my work is the Galactic Pottery series. At first glance, these sculptures resemble enigmatic, pottery-like objects. However, their form and function defy earthly expectations of what pottery should be. The core concept behind Galactic Pottery is the idea of substance containers from other planets. If an exoplanet had radically different gravitational, atmospheric, and material properties, the civilizations inhabiting it would naturally develop a corresponding evolution of storage vessels. These vessels—fluid jars, vases, or containers—would have to adapt to conditions unlike anything on Earth.

While these sculptures do not depict a specific known figure or entity, they carry an implicit function and narrative, making them semi-figurative. They are recognizable as containers, yet entirely alien in form and purpose. The contradiction between familiarity and strangeness plays a crucial role in their aesthetic and conceptual impact.

Abstract Space Artifacts and Relics

At the furthest end of the abstraction spectrum are my purely non-figurative sculptures. These works emphasize enigma, mystery, and an absence of clear reference points. Rather than depicting creatures, fossils, or vessels, these sculptures function as space artifacts, universe relics, or objects of unknown purpose. Their very essence is defined by an open-ended interpretive experience.

These pieces invite viewers to speculate about their origins, function, and meaning. By stripping away direct figurative elements, I create sculptures that are both timeless and placeless—objects that could exist in the farthest reaches of the universe, untethered from human experience. This approach aligns with trends in contemporary abstract sculpture that emphasize materiality, texture, and the interplay between form and perception.

Trends in Contemporary Abstract and Figurative Sculpture

Contemporary sculpture is evolving in ways that reflect broader artistic movements and cultural shifts. In both abstract and figurative forms, several key trends are shaping the landscape:

1. Hybridization of Form – Many contemporary sculptors are blending figurative and abstract elements, much like my own approach. The result is work that defies strict categorization and invites multiple interpretations.

2. Interactive and Kinetic Sculpture – Interactivity is becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern sculpture. My transformable Galactic Fossils fall within this category, allowing viewers to engage with the art on a physical level.

3. Speculative and Sci-Fi Influences – With the growing fascination with space exploration and the unknown, artists are exploring themes of futuristic and extraterrestrial existence. My work aligns with this trend, pushing the boundaries of speculative sculpture.

4. Material Experimentation – Contemporary sculpture is moving beyond traditional materials like marble and bronze. The use of industrial materials and laser-cut steel (as in my work), are on the rise.

5. Conceptual Narrative – Even in abstract work, there is a growing emphasis on storytelling. My sculptures often carry implicit narratives about otherworldly civilizations, making them part of a broader artistic dialogue about history, myth, and the unknown.

Epilogue

The dialogue between abstract and figurative sculpture in contemporary art is fluid and ever-evolving. In my own sculptural practice, I embrace this fluidity by crafting works that challenge perception and invite curiosity. Whether through Galactic Fossils, Galactic Pottery, or purely abstract space relics, my sculptures bridge the gap between recognition and mystery, reality and speculation.

As an ultra-contemporary sculptor, my work exists at the cutting edge of contemporary artistic exploration. By incorporating both figurative and abstract elements, I aim to push the boundaries of what sculpture can be—not only in form but in the way it engages with the viewer’s imagination. In a world that is constantly redefining itself, so too must art continue to evolve, shape-shift, and challenge the limitations of traditional categorization.

Peter Von Hauerland

You can find my space- and science-inspired sculptural art objects throughout this website in the following sections:

Galactic Fossils

Interactive Cosmos Sculptures

Art Decor Inspired by Space Objects made of sheet steel

Tiny Space Creatures