What a fantastic morning... The Hepworth Wakefield. It was so exciting to cross over the footbridge and see Chantry Bridge from the opposite side of the river. Being from Wakefield I was really taken aback by the width of the river and how the gallery seems to emerge from it. The architect David Chipperfield has caused so much controversy with the design of the building that the local papers have been full of complaints about the cost and its box like appearance, people either love it or hate it. I have observed its construction and admit it was a bit of a shock at first...but...after walking across the bridge you are really seeing it for the first time. The river swirls beneath you, the sound of the water adds to the experience and the appreciation of a great building rising up from the river surrounded by industrial buildings that seem to have been given a new lease of life.
It wasn't until I had seen the work on show that I realised how the architect had used the work of Hepworth to reflect the form and power of the building. Both Hepworth and Henry Moore were from Wakefield and their work and friendship is celebrated in the galleries. I have been reading many of Hepworth's books recently so to see her workbench, tools, maquettes and finished sculpture was absolutely incredible. I am captivated by the surfaces; smooth, glossy, gleaming and then in sharp contrast to the textured surfaces on the same piece. My head was swimming with the sheer beauty of it all; plaster, wood, marble, bronze; it is all there. I found the drawings and the examples of how Hepworth constructed using wire mesh, wood, paper etc really interesting. It added to the exhibition and understanding of the practice.
One thing that always fascinates me is reading about their lives and how they interacted with other artists, formed friendships and sometimes homes. During my access course I studied Piet Mondrian who was a great friend of Hepworths and it just makes me smile when I can imagine them together, eating, drinking and discussing their work. It is one of the ongoing delights of art history that gives me a real thrill.
Later the same day I took my Mum to see the exhibition at Crow Nest Park and it was lovely to show her what I have been doing. If only my Dad could have seen it too. She was really impressed with Elaine's work re the Brontes and how it looks in the setting; against the mullion windows and period features of the room. The Park was so busy due to the sunshine and the cafe next door was heaving with people sat outside at the tables, chatting and keeping their dogs apart. It really is a lovely place.
All the work was intact, Xaiou's brilliant dvd was playing; his 'tea dunking machine' and his incredible 'murder of crows' proved a real draw and everything looked just as though it had always been there along with all the other exhibits in the museum. We are due to remove the work next week when the exhibition ends, which we still need to organise as a group, our manager is on holiday in China...again, so we shall just have to manage without him.
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