Artistic Inspirations:
* Henry Moore: Gormley credits Moore as a major influence, particularly his work with monumental, abstract sculptures that engage with the human form.
* Alberto Giacometti: Giacometti's elongated, skeletal figures, often rendered in bronze, inspired Gormley's interest in depicting the fragility and vulnerability of the human body.
* Baroque Sculpture: The dynamism and expressive qualities of Baroque sculpture, especially its focus on movement and emotion, have resonated with Gormley's artistic sensibility.
* Minimalism: Gormley's early sculptures were heavily influenced by Minimalist art, with its focus on simplicity and geometric forms.
* Land Art: Gormley's monumental installations often engage with the natural landscape, drawing inspiration from Land Art and its emphasis on site-specificity.
Beyond Art:
* The Body: Gormley's primary subject is the human body, and he is deeply interested in its physical and psychological aspects. This interest stems from his own experience as a sculptor and his understanding of the body's potential for both expression and vulnerability.
* Philosophy: Gormley's work engages with philosophical concepts such as existence, identity, and the relationship between the individual and the world. He draws inspiration from thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and Simone de Beauvoir.
* Religion: Gormley's Catholic upbringing and his exploration of the body's relationship to spirituality have informed his artistic vision.
* Science: Gormley's interest in the human form extends to scientific studies of anatomy, physiology, and anthropology.
It's important to note that Gormley's artistic influences are not limited to the aforementioned individuals and disciplines. He is constantly exploring new ideas and drawing inspiration from diverse sources, ensuring that his work remains fresh, thought-provoking, and relevant to contemporary audiences.