calendario eventi  :: 

X

2/5/2003

From Tate to Walsall

The New Art Gallery Walsall, Walsall

Epstein’s Rock Drill comes to Walsall


One of the most significant works of early twentieth-century British sculpture visits Walsall for the first time. The Rock Drill sculpture will be reunited with Epstein’s study
for Rock Drill in the Garman Ryan Collection, at The New Art Gallery Walsall from 3rd May until 27th September 2003.

The first ‘Rock Drill sculpture was created by Jacob Epstein from 1913-15. The robotic sculpted figure was placed upon a real rock drill, becoming one of the earliest ‘readymades’ ever to be exhibited. By 1916 Jacob Epstein had dismantled the first ‘Rock Drill’ sculpture and exhibited just the adapted torso cast in bronze calling it ‘Torso in Metal from the Rock Drill’ (picture above).

Epstein’s decision to destroy the first sculpture was prompted by the events of the First World War. By 1918 two of Epstein’s close friends were killed in the conflict and he had suffered a complete physical and mental breakdown. The strong dynamic figure sitting on top of the rock drill nurturing it’s embedded foetus, had changed to become, with it’s amputated arm, a figure reminiscent of the many shattered soldiers returning from the front.

Epstein was never again to explore the theme of machinery, the agent of such profound destruction in the Great War. Instead in the post-war world he continued to explore the theme of birth and rebirth of humanity but through the compassionate image of the ‘Risen Christ’. Epstein said of this sculpture that ‘it stands and accuses the world for its grossness, inhumanity, cruelty and beastliness.’

For further information, please contact reception on 01922 654400.

The New Art Gallery Walsall and Tate have been working together as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Tate Partnership Scheme since The New Art Gallery opened in February 2000. Partnership projects have included exhibitions, education and interpretation programmes and staff visits, exchanges and training opportunities.

In the image: 'Rock Drill'.

The New Art Gallery Walsall
Gallery Square, Walsall
tel 44 01922 654400

stampa

permanent link