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Artists A-Z:

Including:
Rebecca Cresswell,
Susan Hippe
....and many other original artists.

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* Words: David Hier
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Jacob Epstein & Dora Gordine
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Embracing the Exotic: Jacob Epstein and Dora Gordine

A Drawing by Jacob Epstein.
Drawing by Jacob Epstein.

Start: 10th January 2006
End:19th March 2006

This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the artworks of two contrasting British-based sculptors.

The sculptural artworks of Jacob Epstein [1880-1957] and his lesser-known contemporary Dora Gordine [1898-1991] were both heavily influenced by the art of non-European cultures.

The exhibition explores the way both artists responded to non-western artworks: examining how these influences were absorbed by Epstein and Gordine, and the impact this had on the sculptures produced by both artists.

Working in the first half of the 20th Century, Epstein has come to be regarded as one of the most influential figures in British sculpture. Epstein also grew to become a great admirer of African and Oceanic sculpture, and was one of the first British-based artists to amass a collection of so-called 'primitive art'.

Epstein's fascination with exotic sculpture was fully absorbed into his way of working, radically changing his style of sculpture, allowing him to explore the many possible ways of representing the world.

Also working at the dawn of Modernism, Dora Gordine was a self-taught sculptor, designer, collector and society figure. Encouraged by Aristide Maillol, she travelled widely and began to concentrate on using non-European models for her sculpture.

Her first solo exhibition was held at the Leicester Galleries in London in 1928. The show was an overnight success and included busts of Indian, Chinese, Javanese, Malay, Iranian and Greek models.

Unlike Epstein, Gordine's work remained classily-inspired, despite her fascination with 'primitive art' and her preference for using non-European models.

The exhibition explores the sculptors shared contacts and interests, and how the influence of non-European art impacted on their working practices, helping Epstein and Gordine develop an extraordinarily rich and sophisticated visual vocabulary.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue, with contributions from Dr. Jonathan Black and Brenda Martin [Kingston University].

Opening Times:

Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:30

Saturday - Closed

Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00

For more information:

www.benuri.org.uk/Exotic.htm

Email: info@benuri.org.uk

Tel: +44 [0]20 7604 3991

 

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