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Frieze London October 2014
Posted by David Taylor on 11/10/2014
Frieze Masters week – A reminder of the power of sculpture
There was a time in history when sculpture was a more revered art form that it is today. Admittedly, today’s art produces mesmerising video artwork and mixed-media creations that nobody has ever remotely conceived of. But in decades and centuries past, the casting of bronze struck into the hearts of many art lovers.
Consider firstly Enzo Plazzotta’s The Conversation, a sculpture in bronze from the late twentieth-century. When we think of the term ‘neo-classical’, it is all about bringing ancient values and beliefs to the modern world. Plazzotta’s sculpture on the website harks back to classical forms, but endows the figures with modern features like the left figure’s hair, and the ballet-style posture. In fact, Plazzotta worked with and modelled many of the leading ballet dancers of his day. Under the surface of many art works, there is a more fascinating story that lends further insight. This is only one such example! Other works on the site depict the leading dancer Nureyev and a beautiful foal.
Living artists can also show us the arc of their artistic development, making their early works highly collectible antiques. Stephen Kettle’s ‘stacked slate’ sculptures have achieved much notoriety, and rightly so. His bust of Winston Churchill is highly evocative in its texture, and mix of light and shadow. Churchill is portrayed as a solid, moving figure, but also looks fragile, and prone to collapse. Kettle’s work is a joy to behold and these are modern collectibles. It only takes a few years to become ‘antique’, and the joy of such an item can last forever.
Lastly, don’t understand the power of wearable art. What do I mean by that? Look no further than George Weil’s intricate and beautiful brooch that you can spot here. Diamond and 18-carat gold is a remarkable combination, both in its beauty and in its timelessness. Inspired by a leaf, this brooch is both natural and man-made. It wouldn’t be too much pain to live in both worlds now, would it? If Weil’s work captures your imagination, see his studio at work here.
Get into the spirit of Frieze Masters week, and into the spirit of antiques. It is a bug that catches you, and does not let go. I would say that I wouldn’t mind catching that bug.