Bemusing Amusements

 ARTIST RESEARH/CRITIQUE

 

‘One and Other'

(Antony Gormley, 2000)

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK

Rather less well known than its namesake, Gormley's 2010 performance art installation for the Fourth Plinth in London's Trafalgar Square, this earlier One and Other is also a human figure on a plinth, this time a tree trunk which raises the sculpture to the same level as the canopy of neighbouring trees. As in many of his installations, the human figure is based on a cast of Gormley's own, then simplified to something more universal.

I believe this sculpture to be a comment on hierarchy or classes. It could also be portrayed as some higher being or deity. The fact that the figure is on a plinth of sorts and is always above the person viewing it  gives it a sense of importance or specialness. I think this is also exaggerated by the tree the figure is standing on. It has been stripped of its leaves, branches and has been levelled off to accommodate the statue. This may be a comment on how humans have put themselves above nature and the earth by destroying it.

I interpret the statue as a spiritual or religious being. It’s raised above us out of reach. The material of the figure, gnarled rust-covered iron gives the indication of time. Like the figure has been in that spot for many years. Also, the figure is more of a gestural indication of a human. It’s morphed and moulded and a bit anonymous because we each create our own images of what higher beings like God for example may look like, but we don’t know for sure.

The sculpture also gave me a sense of loneliness. The figure is high above everything, not in touch with the world or reality. It’s very isolated and because of the lack of distinct features on the human it can be regarded as universal. People viewing it may identify with the lonely form themselves.

The formal elements in this sculpture are: form, shape, texture, depth, space and composition.

I believe the use of space in this piece is executed well. When I viewed this in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park It made me aware of my surroundings and (after analysing it) made me think of my place in the world and where I am in my life.

I am an admirer of Antony Gormley because his work makes me think about myself. I love how his figures are always anonnymous so wider understanding is possible. Where I may see One & Other as a question of my spiritual beliefs, somebody can interpret it in a completely different way. I believe One & Other to be a successful sculpture and I enjoyed seeing it.