The Yorkshire Sculpture Park Review

The Yorkshire Sculpture park was established in the 1970’s on the land of an 18^th century estate and boasts sculptures from well-known artists such as Antony Gormley and Tracey Emin. Not only do people visit to see the sculptures; but also to admire the surrounding greenery. It is a great day out, giving me the opportunity to sit and appreciate artwork under blue skies accompanied by my sketchbook.

I do not specialise in sculpting nor am I at all good at it if I tried, however I am a big fan of Antony Gormley and never tire from looking at his rustic pieces. His piece, ‘One & Other,’ stands high above at the entrance. My first impression was fear. I am uncomfortable with heights however I also fear objects that are a great deal taller than me. I learnt that it in fact reflects Gormley’s own fears; isolation and claustrophobia. The shape of the figure brought the intended feeling of claustrophobia, imitating a fly wrapped in a spiders’ spun silk. The true purpose of the morphed shape of the sculpture however is to make the figure universal.

Another favourite of mine was ‘Little Girl’ by Lynn Chadwick, a series of sculptures, one of which I’m glad I spotted amongst the trees. The sculpture is of an abstract figure of a woman, sat peacefully on a bench. The triangular-shaped head, I learnt, is typical of Chadwick’s designs of the female form. I found that my interest in this particular piece linked to my interest in Gormley’s art. I adore rustic features and mechanical design, probably from my love of steampunk novels and all things dark and industrial.

As mentioned in my introduction, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park gives visitors more than artwork to look at. During my visit, I sat in a scenic spot (one of many) and people-watched whilst reminiscing about the day I’d had. Starting from arriving in the morning with a bag of chips from the nearby village, strolling through the afternoon watching frogs swimming in ponds, climbing trees and following sheep, until early evening sat in my chosen spot – I conclude.

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a 24/7 exhibition suitable for anyone, regardless whether you enjoy art or not. Not even the whole day gave me enough time to appreciate everything it has to offer, I look forward to visiting again!