#arthistory #antonygormley #art
Note that the video for "One&Other" did not play. I recommend you watch it on https://vimeo.com/13127106
My lecture notes are at https://www.shafe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/61-05-Antony-Gormley.pdf
An amusing and interesting podcast produced automatically by Google NotebookLM from my notes and Wikipedia at https://www.shafe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/61-05-Antony-Gormley.mp3
Antony Gormley: A Sculptor of the Human Condition
This briefing document reviews the life, work, and artistic philosophy of Sir Antony Gormley, a prominent British sculptor known for his exploration of the human body in relation to space and the environment. The document draws from sources including Antony Gormley's Wikipedia entry, the Royal Academy of Arts' profile on the artist, and excerpts from "61-05 Antony Gormley.pdf."
Biography and Artistic Journey
Born in London in 1950, Gormley's privileged upbringing instilled in him an early appreciation for art. His academic pursuits at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied archaeology, anthropology, and art history, provided him with a deep understanding of human culture. A transformative three-year journey to India and Sri Lanka exposed him to Buddhism and Eastern philosophies, profoundly impacting his artistic vision.
Gormley's artistic journey formally began with studies at Saint Martin's School of Art, Goldsmiths College, and the Slade School of Art. Using his own body as a starting point, he began creating sculptures that investigated the human form's relationship to the world.
Artistic Themes and Techniques
Body as Place: Gormley's art transcends mere representation of the human form. He views the body as a "place," a site of experience and transformation. As he explains, "Sculpture, for me, uses the physical as a means to talk about the spirit…a visual means to refer to things which cannot be seen." This concept is evident in works like "Bed" (1980-81), where the negative space in a massive bread sculpture forms the impression of two human bodies.
Body Casting: A signature technique in Gormley's practice involves creating moulds of his own body, then casting them in materials like lead and iron. This method is prominently showcased in "Untitled (for Francis)" (1985), a lead-encased plaster cast of the artist's body, inspired by the pose of Saint Francis receiving the stigmata.
Engagement with Space: Gormley's sculptures actively engage with the spaces they inhabit. His works range from intimate, introspective pieces like "Sleeping Place" (1974) to monumental public installations that interact with the surrounding landscape or cityscape.
Examples include:
Angel of the North (1998): A colossal steel sculpture in Gateshead, symbolizing hope and regeneration for the North East of England.
Another Place (1997): One hundred cast-iron figures spread across Crosby Beach, contemplating the vastness of the sea and evoking themes of migration and the human condition.
Event Horizon (2007): Life-size figures placed on rooftops and at ground level across urban landscapes, prompting viewers to reexamine their relationship with their surroundings.
Collaborative Creation: Gormley often involves communities in the creation of his works. "Domain Field" (2003) features hundreds of figures based on volunteers from Gateshead, each meticulously recreated in welded steel. "Field" (1989-2003) consists of thousands of small, unique terracotta figures, often created through collaborative efforts involving families and communities.
Pushing Boundaries: Gormley constantly innovates and challenges traditional notions of sculpture. "One & Other" (2009) transformed the Fourth Plinth in London's Trafalgar Square into a platform for living sculpture, with members of the public occupying the plinth for an hour each. "Model" (2012), a colossal steel sculpture in the shape of a human figure, allows viewers to enter and explore its interior, blurring the line between sculpture and architecture.
Recognition and Legacy
Antony Gormley has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Turner Prize (1994), the South Bank Prize for Visual Art (1999), the Bernhard Heiliger Award for Sculpture (2007), the Obayashi Prize (2012), and the Praemium Imperiale (2013). He was knighted in 2014 for his services to the arts.
Gormley's sculptures are held in prestigious public and private collections worldwide, solidifying his place as a leading figure in contemporary art. His works resonate deeply with audiences, provoking reflection on our shared humanity and our connection to the world around us. As he states, "The body is the site of all experience. It's where we live; it's where our consciousness resides." Through his art, Antony Gormley invites us to contemplate this profound truth and to re-examine our place within the vast expanse of existence.