“Jeanne d’Arc” Welded Steel Sculpture József Szabó Trash Works Industrial 2024

Jeanne d’Arc is a unique welded metal sculpture created in 2024 by Hungarian artist József Szabó, founder of Trash Works Industrial.

The sculpture presents a standing female figure constructed from irregular sections of cut, shaped and welded metal. Rather than forming a continuous surface, the shoulders, chest and torso emerge from separate planes of steel articulated by substantial areas of open space. The resulting figure appears simultaneously fragmented and resolutely present.

The artist's title, Jeanne d’Arc, provides an important interpretive dimension to the work. Rather than presenting Joan of Arc through conventional historical portraiture or heroic iconography, Szabó evokes the figure through posture, an almost armor-like construction and the physical character of the metal itself. Strength, determination and vulnerability coexist within the same fragmented body.

The surface is particularly rich. Szabó retains evidence of the fabrication process—cut and ground edges, weld seams and beads, oxidation and the black, bronze, gold, blue and violet coloration produced by working and heating the metal. These variations are not applied decoration but arise directly from the making of the sculpture.

Equally important are the spaces between the metal fragments. Light passes through the body and the silhouette changes as the viewer moves around the work. From certain angles the figure gathers into an almost armored mass; from others it opens to reveal its fragmented construction. Positive material and negative space consequently work together to define the human form.

József Szabó is a Hungarian metal sculptor and founder of Trash Works Industrial. He began developing his sculptural practice around 2019, drawing upon an earlier background in metalworking, machinery and custom motorcycle construction. His works frequently incorporate discarded machine and vehicle components, steel, aluminum and other found industrial materials. Rather than concealing their previous histories, Szabó retains their forms, wear, oxidation and traces of fabrication as integral elements of the finished work. His practice occupies the intersection of figurative sculpture, found-object art and assemblage.