# Negative Space Sculptures The Rachel Whiteread Series Focuses on Exploring Ideas of Absence By Sarah Nazim | Published 2012-07-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rachel-whiteread References: [gagosian](http://www.gagosian.com/artists/rachel-whiteread/) & [trendland](http://trendland.com/negative-space-with-rachel-whiteread/) In this Rachel Whiteread series, she focuses on exploring the ideas of absence by filling negative space with objects. She uses objects such as [rubber, plaster, plastic and resin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/between-the-lightness-and-the-darkness). For example, the photo with the shelf propped up on the wall, Whiteread appears to have placed stone blocks that mimic what would normally be books or a decorative object. The photo with the [large white staircase](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-scad) is what one might envision being in an empty space. These sculptures really force you to use your imagination in deciphering what the artist is trying to convey. Many artists such as Whiteread like to express themselves and sentiments in visual form, as opposed to verbal communications. [Sculptural art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-exhibition), as with other forms, often invokes curiosity and entices viewers to expand their minds. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Exploration of Absence:** Opportunities for innovative sculptures that challenge traditional notions of form and space by filling negative space with unexpected objects. - **Use of Unconventional Materials:** Potential for artists to create disruptive sculptures by using unconventional materials such as rubber, plaster, plastic, and resin. - **Visual Expression:** Opportunities for artists to communicate ideas and sentiments through visual form, encouraging viewers to engage with and interpret the artwork. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** Art industry can embrace and support the creation of disruptive sculptures that explore absence and challenge traditional artistic mediums. - **Design:** Design industry can incorporate the use of unconventional materials in creating disruptive and innovative furniture, decor, and architectural elements. - **Marketing:** Marketing industry can leverage visual expression techniques to create unique and engaging advertising campaigns and brand experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md) - [Sculptural Experimental Artforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ladder-series.md) - [Collaborative Sculptural Art Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neojomon-biomorphic-fantme.md) - [Artful Meditative Sculptural Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-on-space.md) - [Sculptural Mixed-Media Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes.md) - [Sculptural Knitted Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-knitted-objects.md) - [Human Torso-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lene-bdker.md) - [Sculptural Design Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-exhibition.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md)