Julia ParryLast Sunday the sun shone, so we headed for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The Miró:Sculptor exhibition had been on our ‘to do’ list for some weeks but this infernal, persistent rain has stopped us from making the trip! I felt the Spanish sculptor would be best viewed in summer sunshine. (According to the BBC weatherman, from this coming weekend summer should finally be with us for more than an odd day or two.)
We took full advantage of the YSP grounds and spent many hours enjoying the walk and splendid views over the rolling Yorkshire countryside. After a picnic with Henry Moore we followed the dog –walk path through the woods and emerged by the gardens, taking great delight in the fabulous Miro’s on display outside. We then went into the Underground Gallery where there are a number of rooms laden with over a hundred monumental and painted bronzes, assembled sculptures, drawings and various related objects. Miro’s work is laden with quirky Spanish humour and has a beautiful childlike simplicity.
YSP has brought together a wonderful retrospective by Miro; described by his family as …’the most important exhibition of sculpture by Joan Miro ever staged.’ As one of the most important artists of the 20th C, this is a rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary wealth of sculpture made during the second half of Miro’s life.
An added bonus for me was a walk up to the Longside Gallery for a rare opportunity to see the Arts Council Collection of Anish Kapoor: Flashback. It is the first review of Kapoor’s work to be held in the UK outside London. Kapoor has achieved international acclaim for his sensual and beguiling sculptures created using pigment, stone, stainless steel and wax. This stunning exhibition runs until 04.11.’12.
For details of opening times see here.
