Photo: Second Breath, bronze by Maurice Blik PPRBS. Sculpture in the Garden 2004.
Two five-year-old children, one who survived against the odds, the other who was tragically killed, have provided the inspiration for two of the many works at the University of Leicester’s Sculpture in the Garden exhibition.
The institution’s third international sculpture show is being held in the Harold Martin Botanic Garden until September 19 and is open to the public free of charge.
Among the numerous works on show is an immense, but graceful, sculpture by Tony Long. Entitled Epistrophe, it was created in Switzerland during the late 1980s after his son was killed in a road accident.
Made of steel and weighing in at 5-tonnes, the piece has been exhibited in Bern for the past 10 years and much of its symbolism relates to his son’s death and the doubts he had about his continued creativity in its aftermath.
Photo: Epistrophe, Cor-ten steel by Tony Long. Sculpture in the Garden 2004.
In an adjoining area, Maurice Blik’s Second Breath, draws on his experience as a Jew born in Amsterdam in 1939 and taken to Belsen concentration camp.
Aged five he was liberated by Russian Cossacks from the train carrying him to his death. The experience eventually found expression in the sculptures he began to create in the late 1980s.
Long and Blik’s creations are joined by the work of 26 other sculptors, many of whom have pieces in major galleries and museums across the world.
"The Harold Martin Botanic Garden in Leicester provides a rich variety of spaces from the most intimate to wider expanses," explained Prof John Holloway, exhibition co-ordinator
"The panel of exhibition organisers has selected a whole range of art, from abstract to figurative, which will be complemented by the beautiful surroundings in which they are displayed."
Photo: Destiny, travertine by Mel Fraser. Sculpture in the Garden 2004.
"We hope as many people as possible will come and enjoy this unique exhibition," he added.
Of the 26 exhibitors, 15 had work on show at the event last year including the internationally-acclaimed Helaine Blumenfeld, who was instrumental in setting up the first two Sculpture in the Garden shows.
Also as in 2003, a number of the sculptors showing their work are from the 500-strong community in Pietrasanta, the heart of the world’s marble industry.
Across the centuries the community has attracted thousands of artists, including a certain Michelangelo.
Photo: Together, African marble by Christine Sielcken. Sculpture in the Garden 2004.
However, there is also work on show by artists who live and work in the East Midlands.
"The exhibition pays tribute to the talent and creativity of the artists, as well as displaying the vision and imagination of those entrusted with the care of the Garden," said university vice-chancellor Prof Bob Burgess.
"In supporting this exhibition the University is making two statements. The first is that the arts matter and that one responsibility of the University is to recognise this and ensure the best is made available to as many people as possible. The second is to reinforce the University’s relationship with the community and the region."
The University of Leicester Botanic Garden was founded in 1921 with the assistance of the Leicester Literary & Philosophical Society, and moved to its present site in 1947.
As well as boasting an arboretum, herb garden, rock gardens and a water garden, it cares for the National Collections of Skimmia, Aubrieta, hardy Fuchsia and Lawson’s Cypress.
