A DOUBLE Bonus Day…….Part Three

To add to all the natural spectacle that is Chatsworth it’s gardens have been playing host to an equally spectacular Sculpture Exhibition.

Called ‘Beyond Limits’ it hosted by Chatsworth for Sotheby’s the International Art Dealers.

Here are some of, what for me, are highlights of the Exhibition.

Lets start with this piece to me so well placed on the south lawn in front of the House…….

The sculptor is Jaume Plensa and it is called ‘Marianna’ . The shape is subtle in creation and comes to life and depth as the light creates shadow adding shape to this giant face…..

Space is what is required by many of the installations to show them at their best, here at Chatsworth space is something they have in abundance.  It also changes apparent scale.  Take the next exhibit located by the Canal Pond…….

Despite its size it sits well in the surrounds of lake, wood and open country.  But it is only when you get up close and personal that you truly appreciate its shear size…….

This sculpture is named ‘Cyclone Twist’ and is the creation of Alice Aycock.

On a similar theme but an entirely different creation is the feature named ‘Spiral of the Galaxy’ a huge shell glowing bronze and gold…….

This piece is the creation of Marc Quinn.

The exhibition is a showcase for many styles of flair and imagination, craft and materials.

Humour is the key to the next piece, a colourful spectacle and fun sculpture called “La Machine a’ Rever” which is the imaginative creation of Nicki De Saint-Phalle…..

You discover the piece as you stroll though the woods where it seems so ‘at home’…..

Some folk may disagree but for me the Sculpture that greets you as you start your tour is perhaps the most humorous yet at the same time stylish in concept and execution. Titled “Standing Woman” it is a giant figure yet some how creates the impression that it depicts a much smaller person……

The artist for this very creative and detailed piece is Fernando Botero……I wish I had space in my garden for her.

Whilst some of the sculptures appear to have as there key simplicity it does on occasions mask the detail in thought and and skill of execution with which they have been created.  Take ‘The Lens’ as an example.  Close examination shows the detailed engraving whilst the shape of the lens provides other dimensions and colours all of course changing with the light and shadows…..

My apologies to the artist Unus Safardiar as my one dimensional image far from does it real justice.

“Tongue in Cheek” is the name of the next well placed installation. It is my view that it is both simple yet complex in its creation, a piece that needs more than one look to take in……

I guess the artist ‘Tony Cragg’ will be pleased with the results and its positioning here at Chatsworth.

Not so sure about the next piece. Located in the centre of Paxton’s Rock Garden are these rocks….painted Red! The piece remains untitled the artist is ‘Bosco Sodi’ and frankly I do wonder if someone is taking the proverbial P…..Paxton did a better job in my view… several centuries earlier!

For the most part, no matter if you are an art lover or casual browser the Exhibition and the sculptures are fun.  I am sure that is exactly what the artist  ‘Allen Jones’ had in mind with ‘Arabesque’, colourful, static yet so full of life……..

I was able to engage with many of the very varied installations but if I had to select a personal favourite it would be the piece named “Ivy” by ‘Manolo Valdes’. Partly for its modern interruption but also to be fair to the perfect location of the sculpture at the foot of Chatsworth’s famous water Cascade…….

 The location blending both the old with the new…..

All in the most perfect of settings….Chatsworth Gardens….

There were 20 sculptures so this is only a look at my highlights, want to see more well you better be quick and visit soon.  Interested in buying a piece for your garden?  Well I reckon you would need lots of space….and as there are no price tags,  I guess you might also need EXTRA deep pockets and a giant piggy bank….maybe it is like that old saying ‘if you have to ask the price…you cannot afford it!’

Judging by the popularity of this exhibition I would guess Sotheby’s will bring another Sculpture Exhibition to Chatsworth next year….I for one will be in the queue to visit……

and ‘Thank you’ Chatsworth

27th October

© David Oakes 2013