University of Gloucestershire to host exhibition by world renowned sculptor

Launching next week, Landscape into Sculpture by Turner-prize finalist, Bill Woodrow, explores questions surrounding how sculptors respond to landscape.

Examining the relationship between landscape and sculpture, the exhibition showcases the artist’s recent works and reflects his decades-long investigation into how sculptors can transform what they see and experience into art.  

Known for his innovative use of discarded materials, Woodrow rose to prominence as part of the New British Sculpture movement in the early 1980s and was a finalist for the Turner Prize at the Tate Gallery in London in 1986.

On display at the Elwes Gallery at Park Campus, Landscape into Sculpture presents Woodrow’s latest works, with cardboard and paper as the chosen materials, demonstrating his recent investigations.

A free launch event will take place on 14 October from 4:30pm-6:30pm in the Elwes Gallery, during which Woodrow will sit down in conversation with Dr Jon Wood, Senior Fellow in Fine Art. The exhibition will be open to students, staff and the local community from 15 October-26 November, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

Professor Angus Pryor, Head of the School of Arts, Culture and Environment, said: “It is an honour to host Bill Woodrow’s Landscape into Sculpture at our Creative Campus. To have a world-renowned sculptor’s work on display will be a daily inspiration for our students, adding vibrancy to campus life and giving those on our creative courses something to reflect upon.

“The exhibition is the first in an exciting public programme of curated exhibitions, projects, residencies, talks and discussion events by international practitioners. The Elwes Gallery also hosts staff research, presentations by community groups, and undergraduate and post-graduate students’ work, which really embodies our Connected University approach – providing opportunities to bring together students, professionals and the community.”

Landscape into Sculpture is also a first for the Centre for Sculpture, a key new feature of Creative Campus that will champion research into Gloucestershire’s rich sculptural heritage. Planning permission is also being sought for the installation of several sculptures to comprise a new Sculpture Park.

Offering opportunities for quiet contemplation, the landscaped space will feature fascinating sculptures by internationally renowned British sculptors, including University alumnus and Turner Prize winner Tony Cragg.

Main image: Bill Woodrow working on a sculpture for Landscape into Sculpture. Photo credit: Anahita Rezvanirad