What are the psychological impacts of using industrial materials in emotive figurative art?

The use of industrial materials in emotive figurative art creates a striking contrast between the cold, rigid nature of metals, concrete, or plastics and the expressive, often vulnerable forms of human figures. This juxtaposition can evoke profound psychological responses, challenging viewers to reconcile the rawness of the materials with the emotional depth of the subject. Industrial elements may symbolize modernity, alienation, or resilience, while the figurative aspect grounds the work in human experience. The tension between these elements often triggers introspection, discomfort, or even catharsis, as audiences navigate the interplay of materiality and emotion. Artists like Louise Bourgeois and Anselm Kiefer have masterfully employed such techniques to explore trauma, memory, and existential themes, proving that industrial materials can amplify—rather than diminish—the emotional power of figurative art.