Generating Fashion: Abstraction of Form- Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Week two of our fashion degree led us to the West-Yorkshire countryside setting of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Stretching across 500 acres of the Bretton Estate, Britain’s only open air gallery is host to the work of some of the most celebrated modern and contemporary artists of the 20^th century. Founded on the principle of promoting accessibility towards the public, YSP is different from most galleries that I have visited in that its main ethos is to encourage the visitors to interact with the art by being able to get up close, walk around and, dare I say it, even touch the art. That’s right. Visitors can actually move past the velvet rope boundaries and truly engage in the work and gain their own understanding and appreciation some of the most recognised examples of modern sculpture. Scattered around the breathtaking landscape, the sculptures create a dialogue between art and nature.

While at the gallery we were fortunate enough to be in time for the first major UK exhibition of the works of Spanish artist Juan Miró. Hailed as the ‘most important exhibition of Miró’s sculpture ever staged’, it was an opportunity not to be missed. Some of the exhibits were displayed in the underground gallery, whilst most of the key works were displayed outside amongst nature; in their rightful place. The exhibition allegedly consists of over 100 of the artist’s painted bronzes, related objects and drawings made in the late stages of his career.

Perhaps due to my unfamiliarity with Miró’s work, I thought it absurd that his bronze beasts received less acclaim than his paintings. I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the sculptures.  Miró’s sculptures have multiple points of interest so that you really have to walk around the abstract forms to take in every detail; injecting an element of playfulness and surprise where all is not what it seems. Described by the artist as his ‘phantasmagorical world of living monsters’ it really felt as though the looming forms would leap into life at any moment.

Overall, my visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park has inspired me to think about the human form from a more conceptual perspective.  Also, by being able to walk around the exhibits I see the importance of looking at shape as a three-dimensional entity with various facets and planes.

Despite the temperamental British weather, Yorkshire Sculpture Park was a delight and provided a gallery experience like no other.