The Human Factor | Figure In Contemporary Sculpture | Hayward Gallery

TL;DR

This show delves into the complex themes surrounding the representation of the human body in sculptures, ranging from personal to political subjects, and utilizing a variety of traditional and modern techniques.

Transcript

the human factor is a show about the oldest subject in sculptural history which is the human form whereas in the past artists would make sculptures of people that were portraits or monuments these artists used the figure as a point of departure how we think about our place in the world how we think about mortality fragility of the human body voyeur... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧡 The show covers a wide range of themes related to the human form, including mortality, fragility, voyeurism, and sexuality.
• ✋ Artists in the exhibition employ various technical approaches, from traditional to high-tech methods, to realize their sculptures.
• ❓ Many of the sculptures in the show reinterpret or update the history of sculpture, incorporating contemporary political struggles and personal narratives.
• ❓ Ryan Gander and Nika Shonabara explore different perspectives and narratives inspired by the same Degas sculpture.
• 🎄 Mark Wallinger's "Ekehomo" reflects modern political struggles through the portrayal of Christ.
• 🧑‍🎨 The sculptures in the exhibition offer a tangible connection to the artists, as they are handmade.
• 👻 The life-sized sculptures create an uncanny encounter, allowing viewers to project their own interpretations and emotions onto the artwork.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do the artists in the show approach the portrayal of the human body in their sculptures?

The artists in the show move beyond traditional portraiture and monument-making, using the human form as a starting point to explore themes like mortality, fragility, voyeurism, and sexuality. They reinterpret or update the history of sculpture, incorporating contemporary political struggles and personal narratives into their works.

Q: Can you give an example of an artist and their sculpture featured in the show?

One notable sculpture is "Ekehomo" by Mark Wallinger, originally commissioned as the first sculpture on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. Wallinger created a sculpture of Christ that reflects contemporary political struggles. The model was cast over a day and made using resin with white marble dust, allowing for further shaping beyond the cast.

Q: How do Ryan Gander and Nika Shonabara engage with a sculpture by Degas in their works?

Ryan Gander and Nika Shonabara reference the same sculpture by Degas but interpret it in different ways. Gander creates a series of sculptures portraying a ballerina stepping off her pedestal and explores her potential actions and perspectives outside the confines of the institution. Shonabara's sculpture of a ballerina carries a hidden gun, challenging the seemingly innocent front view with a more complex narrative.

Q: Is there a common characteristic among the sculptures in the show?

Most of the sculptures in the show are life-sized, creating an uncanny encounter for viewers. This scale invites projection and investment of some form of life onto the sculptures, evoking a childhood experience and adding depth to the viewer's interaction with the artwork.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The show explores the human form as a departure point for contemplating our place in the world, mortality, fragility of the body, voyeurism, and sexuality.

• The breadth of subjects covered in the exhibition is matched by the diverse range of technical approaches, spanning from traditional to high-tech methods.

• Many of the artists in the show reinterpret or update the history of sculpture, incorporating contemporary political struggles and personal narratives into their works.