My visit to the Hepworth gallery gave me the chance to explore sculpture and ceramics further and in contrast to the visit to Yorkshire sculpture park I was able to witness sculpture in a gallery space. Like the Sculpture park the Hepworth gallery contained works from Henry Moore. I liked that I was able to explore Moore’s thought processes behind his works by exploring a different side to his life as an artist. His work ‘Reclining Figure’ shows his continuation with the human form shown in the Yorkshire sculpture park on a larger scale. Moore has a direct connection to Yorkshire, being born in Wakefield. Therefore, I like that his works are on display in both these locations.
Like Moore, Barbara Hepworth was from Wakefield. The gallery follows her life through her impressive sculptures that explore shape, texture and colour. Throughout the gallery, it is evident Hepworth used different materials for her sculptures as well as different shapes and colours this creates a gallery space that is visually- appealing for visitors. It is clear Hepworth had an eye for form and shape and is able to make works that reflect this. A piece of hers that stood out to me was ‘Constuction (crucifixion)’ a large sculpture that stands individually against the other works in the room. I was surprised to see this piece after viewing some of Hepworth’s other works that had less harsh contrasts and dimensions. Her use of aluminium with some minimal colour makes the piece stand out against the background of the gallery space. Another sculpture of hers that interested me was ‘spring’ I enjoy how the piece juxtaposes between the softness of the curves and the harsher stark lines created by the strings that stretch from one side to the other. Hepworth’s overall use of strings creates an interesting effect that plays well against her other works. Her interest in the cosmic universe is evidenced through her paintings and sculptures in the gallery, one, ‘Genesis III’ caught my eye, the abstract forms represent the creation of the world, shown through the title of the piece. Hepworth’s interest in the universe in general allowed for the creation of beautiful abstract pieces like this one.
The Hepworth gallery is also home to a range of contemporary works that make up a part of the collection. ‘Leg chair (sushi nori)’ by Anthea Hamilton is a unique piece in the gallery, I like that it is weird and makes you question why are there rice cakes in between those legs? This contrast between furniture, body forms and food create an unusual, provocative piece that shows a different side to sculpture.
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