The Hepworth Wakefield

A week or so ago I visited the contemporary Hepworth gallery in Wakefield for the first time. Named for Wakefield born sculpture Barbara Hepworth, "The Hepworth Wakefield is the largest purpose-built exhibition space outside of London." 

 

 The Hepworth Wakefield

On permanent display at the gallery are 44 full size working models "made in preparation for the works in bronze Hepworth executed from the mid-1950s to the end of her career". I really liked the fluid shapes and smooth surfaces. There was rarely a sharp edge in sight.

The sculptures benefit from the spacious, light filled gallery space. 

Winged Figure

Unveiled to the public in 1963, the full-size 'Winged Figure' has stood in front of John Lewis's flagship store on Oxford Street in London for over 50 years. (The smaller version is on permanent display at The Hepworth.) 

Commissioned to evoke common interest and ownership, "it is estimated that the sculpture is seen by 200 million people a year."

I particularly enjoyed the exhibition 'British Sculptures as Print Makers' that explores the link between print and sculpture. Sculptures often use printmaking to "work on ideas which would eventually translate into sculpture".

It was noted in the exhibition that Hepworth also worked the other way, transferring sculptures into prints. Walking between the two mediums, clear links could be made.

Morning Shadows, 2012

Not restricted to the work of Barbara Hepworth, the gallery also celebrates other contemporary sculptures. 'Caro in Yorkshire' traces Sir Anthony Caro's "interest in architectural principles from early abstract works throughout his remarkable career".

Instinctively you want to interact with Caro's large, floor-filling pieces. Luckily, if you are under 10 years of age there is a circular staircase you can climb!

'Caro in Yorkshire' is on display until 1st November 2015.

Have you visited The Hepworth Wakefield?

Image credits:

All photos are my own, apart from:

Winged Figure: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/news/john-lewis-oxford-street-and-the-hepworth-wakefield-celebrate-50-years-of-winged-figure/ 

Morning Shadows: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/whatson/anthony-caro/

Quotes are taken from The Hepworth Wakefield website.

Until next week...

-Karen

Exhibitions To See

My pick of the exhibitions to see this summer:

Benedict Drew "KAPUT"
QUAD, Derby
27th June - 6 September 2015

"Oscillating between space tourism and the mystical power of sacred objects" QUAD's exhibition of Benedict Drew's new work questions different modes of learning and "the power and privilege of the acquisition of knowledge".

See Red Women's Workshop: 1974 - 1983
Huddersfield Art Gallery, Huddersfield
6th June - 19th September 2015

A series of posters designed by See Red Women's Workshop (the women-only printing collective) is currently on display at Huddersfield Art Gallery. From 1974 - 1983 the women produced posters about their own personal experiences: the oppression of housework, childcare and negative images of women.

Little Hoot
Birmingham
8th July - 27th September 2015

26 owlets, each crafted by children from local nurseries and schools across the city, are currently on display at 18 venues across Birmingham. 'Little Hoot' has involved 25,000 children across 114 schools experimenting with colour, texture and pattern.
 
Rob Ryan "Listen to the World"
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
4th July - 1st November 2015

Rob Ryan's second exhibition of papercuts and prints at Yorkshire Sculpture Park is now open! Merchandise and exclusive editions were created especially for YSP including a range of ceramics, a multi-coloured lasercut (in an edition of 100), and a wooden screen-printed clock.

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon
National Portrait Gallery, London
2nd July - 18th October 2015

Th National Portrait Gallery's photographic exhibition celebrates the life of philanthropic actress Audrey Hepburn. A selection of over 70 photos, including classic and rarely seen prints, illustrates one of the world's most recognisable and much loved stars.

What exhibitions are you going to see this summer?

Image credits:

Benedict Drew: http://www.derbyquad.co.uk/exhibition/benedict-drew-kaput
See Red Women's Workshop: https://www.ica.org.uk/blog/feminist-pioneers-see-red
Little Hoot: http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/whats-on/the-little-hoot
Rob Ryan: http://robryanstudio.com/2015/05/rob-ryan-ceramics-for-ysp/
Audrey Hepburn: http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/hepburn/home.php 

Until next week...

-Karen