Houghton Hall, Norfolk, is one of the most beautiful places in the world for a sculpture park. The 18th-century estate gleams in perfect symmetry in the mist of a chilly morning. Antony Gormley’s latest installation, ‘Time Horizon,’ is a spectacular addition to the landscape and competes splendidly with the lavish gardens and architecture.
This ambitious installation beckons viewers to consider the passage of time, the intricate bond between humanity and nature, and the enigma of existence. Gormley’s fascination with the human form takes centre stage in “Time Horizon.” One hundred life-size cast iron figures weighing 600kg, each moulded from the artist’s body, populate the grounds, evoking familiarity and intrigue. Reminiscent of his “Iron Men” on Crosby Beach in Merseyside, these sculptures are silent sentinels, inviting viewers to engage with their imposing presence.
The exhibition’s “Time Horizon” title hints at its thematic depth. Gormley’s exploration of time extends beyond the physical dimensions of the sculptures themselves. Each figure is strategically positioned across 300 acres of parkland, creating a harmonious interplay between art and environment. Some sculptures emerge partially buried, while others stand atop concrete columns, blurring the boundaries between humans and the natural world. Many of the sculptures on plinths are purposefully displayed asymmetrically so as not to compete with the garden’s symmetry. Interesting!
At the core of ‘Time Horizon’ lies Gormley’s philosophical exploration of art and experience. The artist defies traditional notions of artistic representation, urging viewers to fully immerse themselves in the exhibition’s spatial and sensory dimensions. As Gormley puts it, ‘Time Horizon is not a mere picture but a living field, and you are an integral part of it.’
Lord Cholmondeley, owner of Houghton Hall, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the exhibition’s expansive scope and dynamic interaction with the estate’s historic landscape. For visitors, “Time Horizon” offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, nature, and history, engaging in a dialogue that transcends the boundaries of traditional exhibition spaces.
Gormley’s acumen of nature and the human figure looms large over “Time Horizon.” Renowned for exploring the human body and its relationship to space, the sculptor has captivated audiences worldwide with his innovative approach to artmaking. From the monumental “Angel of the North” to the contemplative “Another Place,” Gormley’s oeuvre speaks to the universal themes of identity, existence, and the human condition.
‘Time Horizon’ not only holds artistic significance but also stands out, recognising the history of Houghton Hall. The estate, constructed in the 18th century by Sir Robert Walpole, symbolises architectural and cultural unity. The exhibition’s juxtaposition of contemporary art against the backdrop of Palladian grandeur underscores Houghton’s commitment to showcasing the important art of our era.
As visitors wander through the grounds of Houghton Hall, they are invited to contemplate the landscape’s vastness with the figures’ human scale. Gormley’s “Time Horizon” transcends the boundaries, offering a profound meditation on the human experience in all its beauty and complexity.
Antony Gormley, one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary sculptors, was born in London, England, on August 30, 1950. Renowned for exploring the human body and its relationship to space, Gormley has created iconic sculptures and installations that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Gormley’s fascination with art began at an early age, and he pursued his passion by studying at prestigious institutions such as Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Slade School of Fine Art in London. At the Slade School, he developed a keen interest in sculpture and began experimenting with different materials and techniques.
Throughout his career, Gormley has been deeply influenced by his experiences and observations of the human form. He is perhaps best known for his series of life-size cast iron sculptures titled “The Angel of the North.” Erected in 1998 in Gateshead, England, this monumental work symbolises hope and regeneration, welcoming visitors to the region with its outstretched wings and towering presence.
Another of Gormley’s notable works is “Another Place,” a sculpture installation consisting of 100 cast iron figures spread out along Crosby Beach in Merseyside, England. Each figure is a replica of Gormley’s body, standing stoically against the backdrop of the sea and sky. The installation invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between humanity and nature and the passage of time.
In addition to his large-scale public sculptures, Gormley has created numerous other works that explore themes of identity, existence, and the human condition. His use of unconventional materials and innovative techniques, such as embedding his body in concrete blocks or creating intricate wire mesh structures, has earned him critical acclaim and international recognition.
Gormley’s work has been exhibited in museums, galleries, and public spaces worldwide, including the Tate Modern in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Venice Biennale. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to contemporary art, including the Turner Prize in 1994 and a knighthood in 2014 for services to the arts.
Beyond his artistic endeavours, Gormley is also a dedicated educator and philanthropist. He has taught at institutions such as the Royal College of Art and has been involved in various initiatives to promote arts education and support emerging artists.
As one of his generation’s most innovative and influential sculptors, Antony Gormley continues to push the boundaries of art and challenge our perceptions of the world around us. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience, inviting viewers to contemplate their place within the vastness of the universe.
Photos: P C Robinson © Artlyst 2024
Antony Gormley ‘Time Horizon’ 21 April – 31 October 2024, Houghton Hall, Norfolk