25/01/2023
*FREE Artist Talk this Saturday, and a reflection...*
Public art is powerful.
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Sculpture, murals, street art and installations in the public domain are impactful because anyone and everyone can engage with the work.
Public art elicits a response, even from people in our community who have never visited our gallery.
This is what public art is meant to do!
The Modernist sculpture out the front of the gallery titled 'Prometheus' by Herman Hohaus caused a ruckus when first installed.
Hohaus had initially sculpted 'Prometheus' in wood and in its first incarnation it had been cast in fiberglass, plated in copper and patinated to appear like bronze.
It was met with controversy and within months of being situated vandals attacked it. Council then cast the figure in solid bronze and that is what stands today.
In humour, locals created a beer-can facsimile for the public's entertainment, but at least this good-natured response to modernism in Hamilton did no damage to the original.
Now, Prometheus is an icon of Hamilton.
Alongside this long-standing piece of public art, we have erected a contemporary sculpture, 'The Bends²' by local artist, Madi Whyte, one of the four artists featured in our current exhibition; 'Here and Now'.
🔜 Enjoy the sculpture whilst it is on display for the remainder of summer, and connect with Madi personally this Saturday to learn about her sculpture and photography practices.
We're hosting a free Artist Talk with Madi herself Saturday 28 January and there's no need to book, simply head to the gallery at 11am and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee during this relaxed talk!
FB event:
Meet the artist: Madi Whyte
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