It is a World but Not of Me

Inspired by an exhibition of large scale works by Anthony Caro at Tate Britain back in 2005, a group drew on their original sketch book ideas and resources to explore the making of sculpture.

Does revisiting a previous exhibition experience in this way, have any long lasting influence?

The Caro exhibition was originally utilised as inspriation for a series of drama/movement workshops at Tate Modern with Gallery Educator Liz Ellis and therapist Aleka Loutsis. It was positive for members of the same group to reassociate themselves with the works, now 2 years later

The original exhibition celebrated Caro's career of over 80 years, in which he has revolutionised sculpture in terms of subject, appearance, materials, methods and ideas. Caro felt the tradition of figure-based sculpture had been drained of expressive potential. He wanted to find new ways for sculpture to convey meaning and feeling, hence his remark 'It is a world but not of me'.

The group viewed a DVD of English public sculpture to gain inspiration, and began by making simple angular three dimensional forms from a single piece of cut and folded card.

This methodology progressed onto working with foamboard which could be easily cut and manipulated into bold abstract shapes. Once shapes had been cut, glue guns were used to 'weld' the pieces together. In the style of Caro, bold colour was applied to the finished works.

Although the group warmed to the project and it was obvious that they did indeed enjoy the practical side of the artmaking, it was inconclusive as to whether the original exhibition visit played a mayor role in the success if the project.

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