Arts Days Out… Hepworth Gallery Wakefield

Art enthusiast Rhiannon McGregor explains why the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield is well worth a visit…

 The gallery has been skilfully curated and makes use of the gallery space to optimum effect

 

Heralded by the Independent as ‘one of the finest contemporary art museums in Europe’, the newly opened Hepworth Wakefield gallery makes for an exciting day out. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the building itself is an impressive structure and will undoubtedly become an iconic symbol of art in the North. A leisurely ten minute walk from the station, the building, which stands on a spectacular moat-like waterfront stands as a modernist fortress on the outskirts of Wakefield city.

The gallery commemorates the achievements of modern British sculptors, with particular reference to Barbara Hepworth who hails from Wakefield and even studied at our very own Leeds School of Art. The main collection is comprised of six rooms, which span the work of the artist and also place her within the context of other artists working around the same time. The pride of the collection are the 44 full size working models, which  have been gifted to the gallery by the Hepworth Estate (most visitors will easily recognise the prototype of Winged Figure, 1961-3, the sculpture commissioned by John Lewis for the side of its Oxford Street store).

The gallery has been skilfully curated and makes use of the gallery space to optimum effect. John Skeaping’s Woman and Bird, 1928 is framed by a large window overlooking a willow tree- this use of nature helps bring a sense of vitality to  an alabaster sculpture that could otherwise look cold and lifeless. The art is also not constrained to the limits of the gallery walls, Simon Wallis (Gallery Director) also makes use of its outdoor space to exhibit sculptures and installations. The most unusual of these installations is a piece by artists Heather and Ivan Morison, called The Black Cloud. Inspired by Amazonian dwellings used for performances, discussions, and plays, the installation provides a sheltered arena in which the gallery wishes to showcase local talent (go to www.hepworthwakefield.org/blackcloud to apply).

In addition to the permanent collection, four rooms have been dedicated to temporary exhibitions. At the moment the gallery is exhibiting the paintings of Southampton-born artist Clare Woods, whose imposing canvases explore a sinister, uncontrollable side to nature, which juxtaposes Hepworth’s amicable relationship with the landscape around her.  The exhibition, entitled The Unquiet Head, is supported by a rich frame-work of events including a talk on the work by Clare Woods herself ( 7-8pm on 19th January , 2012), which will be an exciting opportunity to delve into the mind of a working artist.

Image: The Hepworth Wakefield. © Iwan Baan