Man!
A quick plug for Anthony Gormley's latest project, Event Horizon, which is the best public art I've ever seen - 31 life-size human figures positioned on the tops of buildings around the South Bank in London (the Shell Centre, the National Theatre, Waterloo Bridge, King's College, Imperial College, Freemasons' Hall etc.) I think it's to promote his actual show at the Hayward, which I've not seen, but the figures are astonishing, and they're up until August. As you approach the South Bank on foot, you'll spy your first one, and then the others become apparent as you make your way along the embankment. First of all, it appeals to the collector in us all, as we try and spot more and more of them (I think we made it up to about 15, 20 at the most, so there are plenty more to go), but you can't help but be haunted by the distant sight of so many men on the edges of so many high buildings. One has his head bowed, which makes the uniformity of his compatriots even more arresting.
I've never seen the Angel of the North, except on film, but I suspect I would love that too. And his figures on Crosby beach in Merseyside, which recently won a reprieve and seem to have found a permanent home in the sand. They're all based on a cast of Gormley himself, but they never strike you as narcissistic. What a tremendous chap he clearly is.
There's a lot of crap knocking about under the generous umbrella of modern art, and I defend all of it in principle, but Gormley's stuff actually does the job.
posted by Andrew Collins @ 4:35 PM
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I watched them put one up - they left a ladder which made it look all the more like he'd just climbed up there himself.
I'd have dismissed this if it weren't for the photo, which I admit does make it look great.
Up until a few minutes ago I was certain I'd seen the Angel of the North but now I come to think about it I can't remember when it was. Did I dream this? Does anyone know if you can see the Angel from a train? Maybe it was a fleeting view.
I love Gormley's work, and *art-wank-alert ahead* find it a real reminder of what it feels like to be human. My favourite piece is his Field For The British Isles; hundreds of tiny teracotta people -had me in tears in the Tate at St Ives, it did.
Back in 2003 he did something similar in Western Australia, but this time on a dry lake bed.
www.antonygormley.com/newsite/viewproject.php?projectid=18
We didn't spend long enough in WA to get to see it, but watched a great progamme about its conception. As for the Angel, Andrew, you should try and wangle a trip up North, maybe catch a gig at Gateshead Sage and see the old Caledonian Princess on the Tyne!
I spotted these the other day from a taxi window, and as you say, once you see one you can see many others. Didn't get to count them due to the fleeting nature of the drive over Waterloo Bridge, but they are very affecting and they are everywhere.
Isn't there going to an Angel of the South on the A2? I'm sure I read that somewhere.
I saw Blind Light (the Hayward exhibition) last weekend, it really is worth a visit.
I've stood at the feet of the Angel of the North, in my book it's the greatest work of public art.
And I'm off to Crosby beach this week. Total Gormley overload.
You've not been up North in a long time then, Andrew. The Angel is magnificent, and kids can use it's feet as a makeshift slide too, which must be a bonus.
There's even a pub right next to the Angel. Get yerself up - I might even shout you a beer.
I was on a art gallery trip with a class from my daughter's school when I looked into a gallery containing Anthony Gormley's Field For The British Isles. I was absolutely gob smacked and stood for some time looking at it in wonder. Every time somebody says that modern art is rubbish and that they could do better, I want to plonk them down in front of something like this.
The Angel of the North is a beautiful creation.Both imposing and comforting, quite lovely. Can I recommend the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow for a day out. It contains all that is good and bad about Modern Art all in one building. From the majestic works of Ken Currie to the utter wank of, well I'd rather not name names, but the hymn singing nude chap in the small red church leaves a bit to be desired.
I've been an admirer of Gormley's work ever since encountering his "Field" at Birmingham's Ikon gallery several years ago. That sea of tiny clay figures, all staring back at me was at first deeply unnerving, then gradually gave way to a reassuring warm sense of belonging. Yes, another art wank alert, but that was how it hit me. I always find the Iron Man a welcoming sight when walking around Birmingham, too. Me walking, that is, not the Iron Man (wow, what a notion!).
went to see the gormley exhibition
this afternoon. It's great. We only counted 30 men there's 31.The exhibition it's self is great. The mist field box is worth a visit it self it's truly strange you can't see a thing.
on seperate note i know you love of the apprentice. Have you seen there's a offical magazine to go with the series, it's very thick full of job stuff, shopping etc.
enjoy
I'll be avoiding this Apprentice magazine the same way I avoid You're Fired. An hour a week is enough for me.
Another big public piece of modern art which has had its critics, but I love: The Wave in Newport. http://www.stayinwales.co.uk/wales_picture.cfm?p=2734
Andrew , I love the photo. Did you take it? If so, well done indeed. I love the austerity of the South Bank in the Winter and this images evokes that strongly.
I wish I had taken the photo, Sparklemoose. In fact, I borrowed it from Wikipedia. It is rather nice.
Went to the Gormley exhibition last week and absolutely can't recommend it highly enough. If you go on a Monday it's half price so only £4 which is cracking value. And might leave you enough left over to buy a Gormely snowdome. Get in.
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