I'd had a busy day at work, getting home when darkness was already falling, and the thought of cosying up in pyjama's was a tempting one. I'm so glad I made the effort to go out though...the works on show are diverse, bold and fabulous.
The first piece of work I saw was 'Cloud Canyons' by David Medalla, a system of clear plastic 'Willy Wonka' style tubes with bubbles of foam slowly and constantly frothing up and over.
Everyone showed great restraint in not plunging their hands into the frothy foaminess. These bubbles relate to both life and death with direct links to experiences in the artist's life.
As I entered 'Screestage' by Phyllida Barlow I was amazed at the monumental scale. As you approach from the rear, you find yourself in a kind of underground forest which gets lower and lower the further you go, making you want to sit down and create a child-like den.
I was completely in awe of this sculpture; its massive scale; its immersive quality. Phyllida Barlow has created a whole new world within the confines of a gallery space and I loved it. My own work is so small and delicate it was a pleasure to spend time in something at the other end of the scale.
Helen Marten is the youngest sculptor on the shortlist but her work is no less accomplished for that. Her works initially look large, and you step back to take in the full effect (with one of the pieces this is the only way to properly see it) but then you find yourself edging closer and closer to get a good look at the quirky little details.
Blue and yellow are the colours I immediately think of when recalling the room housing Steven Claydon's work... you enter through industrial yellow curtains and the space is lit with blue LED bulbs, probably enhanced by the fact that I saw it at night so there was no daylight streaming through the large windows. I wonder how different it will feel during the day.
A large wall even looked like an inky sky full of twinkling stars; which is in fact rubberised sheeting holding copper pennies to it's surface.
Leaving the work of the sculpture prize entrants I then found myself in 'Anthea Hamilton Reimagines Kettle's Yard', which is on display while Kettle's Yard is closed for renovation. This was a real treat for me as it included work by Alfred Wallis whose naïve paintings of boats and harbours I have long been a fan of. His paintings seem to come from the heart and displayed in this domestic setting the exhibit felt both familiar and comforting.
A wonderful end to an inspiring evening.
The winner of the sculpture prize will be announced on 17th November 2016.
Amanda xxx
