David Ward, Paintings for Neglected Parts of the Room - Red Shelf (1978). Picture courtesy Kettle's Yard
Exhibition: David Ward – Slow Time, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, March 21 – May 10 2009
Slow Time by David Ward is the latest exhibition in Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, featuring more than 120 unseen works by the former King’s College artist-in-residence.
Ward is well known for his photographic and light works of the 1980s, and his more recent works featuring light, glass and sound.
David Ward, Light Drawing (1978). Picture courtesy Kettle's Yard
“David is one of the delights of the contemporary art world,” says Michael Harrison, director and co-curator of the varied exhibition. “He’s very generous and is always supportive of other artists. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
This is the first time his previously unseen work has been put together, which was particularly enjoyable for Harrison. “It was great to put together some pieces nobody had seen before,” he explains.
“David’s other work is public but these have just been put together in the privacy of his studio. It’s very different seeing work which hasn’t been made purely for an exhibition.
“It’s very quiet and you can get a real sense of how an artist’s mind works. David’s influences for his work are often accidental and this will come across in this exhibition. His creativity often comes from those little mistakes.”
David Ward, Uncontrolled Image (1989). Picture courtesy Kettle's Yard
Although partly retrospective, the show also reveals significant new work, including works on paper and film from a visit to the Orinoco River.
His most recent forays brings him back to Cambridge again in the Analysis of Beauty, a two screen digital photo projection exploring the ceiling of King’s College chapel from below and above the famous fan vault.
David Ward, Casting the Die (Rodin) (1985). Picture courtesy Kettle's Yard
“You’ll see real accidents in his work,” hints Harrison, describing a photograph from 1970 which Ward had double-exposed by mistake.
“This was more interesting. Had it been a single exposure like normal it would’ve been forgotten.”
David Ward, The Analysis of Beauty (2008). Picture courtesy Kettle's Yard
Another surprise element is a collaboration between David and composer Orlando Gough, which Harrison calls a “very special” piece.
“They have created an aural aid to the exhibition using pianos. The two pianos will be at other sides of the room and will communicate with each other. It’s very physical and the plan is to make people see the other work in a different way – things you take for granted.
David Ward, Landscape, Portrait, Light (2007-2008). Picture courtesy Kettle's Yard
“The atmosphere will really feel like time is slowing down. His work is quiet and reflective and will really make you think.
“Fans of his previous work will be delighted, too. It varies from room to room and you’ll experience the story unfolding in front of you.
“There are lots of cross-references between the works and you might be able to piece together some missing links from his previous works”.
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