One of the exhibitions in this year's Biennale of Sydney, is Antony Gormley's installation of 180 000 hand-made clay figures. It is located in one of the finger wharves in Sydney Harbour, which makes a marvellous backdrop. We had a mosey around yesterday (Saturday). I've put some more photos, including a close-up, on Sydney Daily Photo Extra. (do have a look there: the figures are all so individual!)Gormley says of his work:
"I've been making the Field project for over 15 years - taking the clay of a particular region of the world...and allowing local people to form a surrogate population."
This installation was made by 500 villagers in a southern Chinese village. The exhibition includes photos of those people, with one each of their clay models. It is almost as engaging as the installation itself. My 12 year old son was captivated.
You can read more about the making of them in the Chinese village : here and their installation in Sydney : here.
I can remember seeing his Field for the British Isles at the British Museum in London in 2003. That version of 40 000 sculptures has tourd throughout Britain. This art work has been exhibited in several countries - do you know if it has been in yours?
Now that is fascinating, ART on both a small and grand scale. It's such a pleasure to see it, even at this distance. Thank you so much for showing and describing this installation.
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Thanks for the answer, on my site, to my question here. Your answer led me to ask another question, there. If you have a chance to answer, I'd appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteAmazing, I'll have to come up and see it. Great shot Sally, Well done.
ReplyDeleteWow 180,000!! So many clay figures! It's really amazing! And you say it was made by just 500?
ReplyDeleteamazing and very interesting exhibit!
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ReplyDeleteman thats so cool. Im off work thursday and im definatly going.
ReplyDeleteGormley has exhibited the same piece here in Gateshead and I found it fascinating then, he was also responsible for our own Angel of the North.
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