My husband, Darren, drove us down to Messums West near Salisbury yesterday. It’s a gallery and art centre based around a 13th-century tithe barn at Tisbury.
Inside the amazing barn is an exhibition by Daniel Adgag – his fourth solo at Messums. The artist is based in Melbourne, Australia, and creates highly detailed sculpture pieces using cardboard, glue and a scalpel.
Intricate and fragile structures perched on silts.
At the other end of the barn, paper again features in the most delicate sculptural works by Japanese contemporary artist Kaori Kato.
To quote Messums: ” Kato draws on the history of paper and the art of folding in the Japanese aesthetic with its traditional use in daily life in Japanese culture, for example, in Shoji screens, folding screens and fans.
Her contemporary practice brings the history and significance of this making process into new life. She has found inspiration in the sculptural elements of Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake and has taken ideas of design and construction into her own art forms.”
Coming outside, l was instantly reminded of something l had seen much closer to home in Bath.
On the main lawn were wind mobile sculptures by Peter Logan – the same man who, back in 1987, delivered a commissioned sculpture for Sainsbury’s Homebase store here in Bath.
I have often mentioned the fact that, sadly, this is lost in the brambles. Who is now responsible for it? Sainsbury’s or the development company that will soon be starting work on the Hombease site?
Whichever it is, please find a proper home for this.
We haven’t got much in the way of contemporary art in this city.
Why can’t it be transferred to Parade or Sydney Gardens?
What do others think?
NAILS
Richard I thoroughly agree. I, like many others, made at least a weekly dash to Homebase for something or other.
The nail sculpture always brought a smile to my face. It’s a truly elegant and thought provoking sculpture ( how does it stay there in all weathers was the cry?).
Surely at least the parks department could chop back all the foliage and let it be seen. But I agree with you it would be great in the Parade Gardens.
Well done Richard, keep on it and keep pressing those – let’s be proud of our cities and town and show they are loved.
Paul N
Ps I must visit the gallery near Salisbury – exhibits appear intriguing.
It should definitely be saved. Maybe it should have pride of place in any new development if a suitable site can be found. Its slow, elegant movement has a calming effect, so somewhere where people can sit and unwind.
I agree Richard. We need to be proud of it, not loose it.
Yes – Bath should keep the nails and find a sensible position for it in the city. Keep up the pressure Richard…..
I agree. A heritage piece that deserves a prominent location. Keep pressing!
I loved the nails sculpture and thought it was perfect in front of Homebase. I am one of the trustees of St Stephen’s Millennium Green a community garden, we could have it on the Green if it’s looking for a new home.
With your contacts do you know who commissioned the sculpture? It must have been an expensive item and it’s installation.