Alastair Gibson, an accomplished artist based in the UK, is making waves in the art world with his anatomically precise sculptures of natural and human forms created using carbon fibre. By pushing the limits of his chosen medium, Gibson is producing artworks that showcase the material’s capabilities while engaging in broader discussions on development and change. One of his most captivating pieces, “God Save The African Queen,” exemplifies this innovation and creativity.
“God Save The African Queen” is a solid carbon fibre human skull with interactive features that truly lives up to its title as a conversation piece. Its striking beauty captivates viewers even before considering its conceptual origins or the intricacy of its construction. Gibson’s talent lies in offering an artwork that is not only aesthetically appealing but also rooted in meaning and executed with precision.
Drawing on over two decades of engineering expertise, including 14 years in Formula One, Gibson incorporates genuine parts from modern Grand Prix cars into his carbon fibre sculptures. These parts accentuate and embellish natural forms, while also exploring concepts of evolution and iteration. “God Save The African Queen” pays homage to Gibson’s South African childhood and the Ndebele, Xhosa, and Lesotho nations. It incorporates functional components from a Grand Prix vehicle, such as gold-plated electrical terminals used in the battery system and Inconel nuts from the exhaust system. The sculpture also features interchangeable earrings, symbolising the significance of jewellery in African culture.
Gibson’s ingenuity, honed through years on the Grand Prix circuit and restoring vintage motorbikes, translates seamlessly into his work with carbon fibre. Expanding on his exploration of the material in his limited-edition sculpture series, “We Are All Made of Stars,” “God Save The African Queen” pushes the boundaries of composition in carbon fibre art. The sculpture is crafted from resin-impregnated carbon fibre sheets horizontally laminated to create a tooling block, which is then meticulously milled on a 5-axis machine based on Gibson’s intricate design.
The result is a piece that presents carbon fibre in a unique and artistic way, showcasing its beauty and potential. Gibson plans to incorporate this approach into his future works, including his upcoming and most ambitious sculpture to date in 2023. The gentle undulating waves visible in the solid material, accentuated by a lacquer finish, lend a raw majesty to the artwork, befitting its evocative name. “God Save The African Queen” acknowledges our origins, both in its structural use of carbon and its homage to the geographical cradle of humanity.
Gibson’s exploration of carbon fibre celebrates not only the material itself but also the boundless wonder and diversity found in the world. Through his artworks, he engages in a dialogue between artist and medium, creator and appreciator, exploring the art of what is possible with integrity and determination. By choosing to work with carbon fibre, a material that embodies the building blocks of life and represents the future of mankind, Gibson encourages self-awareness and forward thinking.
ArtÓ gallery, which opened in 2022, shares Alastair Gibson’s passion for art and human connections. The gallery takes pride in featuring artworks by visionary artists and is delighted to collaborate with Gibson, a renowned and respected artist. As a young gallery, ArtÓ sees this partnership as a privilege and is excited to witness Gibson’s practice evolve in new and captivating directions.
