The Shape Of Things To Come: New Sculpture – First Edition – New Copy In Shrinkwrap

The Shape Of Things To Come: New Sculpture – First Edition – New Copy In Shrinkwrap

Author: The Saatchi Gallery
Price: £35
Publisher: Jonathan Cape & The Saatchi Gallery
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Original cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: New
Pages: 684
Edition: First edition

Location: OSR: 002637

First edition. Illustrated throughout. A new copy in dustwrapper in original shrinkwrap.

The Shape Of Things To Come: New Sculpture: A Short Account Of The Exhibition

The Shape of Things to Come: New Sculpture was a major exhibition held at the Saatchi Gallery in London in 2009, featuring cutting-edge sculptural works from a diverse group of international artists. The exhibition aimed to showcase the dynamic and innovative approaches shaping the future of sculpture, exploring a wide array of materials, techniques, and conceptual frameworks.

Overview

This landmark exhibition focused on the evolving nature of contemporary sculpture. It celebrated how artists were redefining the medium by pushing boundaries in scale, materials, and techniques. The works on display reflected a mix of monumentality, fragility, humour, and provocation, inviting viewers to reconsider traditional notions of what sculpture could be.

Themes and Approaches

1. Material Diversity

The exhibition highlighted the versatility of materials in contemporary sculpture, showcasing works created from:

• Traditional media such as bronze, clay, and stone.
• Unconventional materials like horse hide, neon lights, Styrofoam, dirt, fabric, and found objects.
• Mixed-media compositions that combined industrial and organic elements, demonstrating the endless possibilities of modern sculpture.

2. Scale and Space

• Artists experimented with scale, presenting both monumental installations and intricate, delicate works.
• Many pieces played with the physical space of the gallery, creating immersive or disorienting experiences for viewers.
• The juxtaposition of large and small works in a shared space encouraged interaction and invited multiple perspectives.

3. Reimagined Forms

• Human and animal figures appeared as recurring motifs, often distorted or fragmented, evoking a sense of instability or tension.
• Abstract and geometric structures challenged perceptions of balance, weight, and gravity.
• Everyday objects were transformed, defamiliarising the mundane and imbuing it with new meaning.

4. Conceptual Explorations

• The exhibition addressed themes such as identity, memory, nature, and the human condition.
• Many works offered a critique of contemporary society, exploring issues like consumerism, environmental concerns, and cultural displacement.
• Humour, irony, and playfulness emerged as key strategies in several pieces, inviting deeper engagement through wit and satire.

Featured Artists

The exhibition brought together a diverse roster of emerging and established artists, including:

• David Altmejd, known for his fantastical and intricate works combining human and animal forms.
• Björn Dahlem, who created cosmic, otherworldly installations.
• Rebecca Warren, celebrated for her tactile, expressive sculptures.
• Kris Martin, whose works often explored themes of mortality and time.
• Roxy Paine, recognised for his meticulous, tree-like stainless-steel installations.

These artists exemplified the diversity of thought and approach driving contemporary sculpture.

Impact and Reception

• The Shape of Things to Come was lauded for its bold and comprehensive presentation of contemporary sculpture, offering a platform for innovative voices in the art world.
• The exhibition’s title, inspired by H.G. Wells’ futuristic novel, underscored its intent to showcase works that represented the forefront of artistic innovation.

Accompanying Publication

A substantial book titled The Shape of Things to Come: New Sculpture was released alongside the exhibition. This nearly 700-page volume provided in-depth analysis, featuring:

• High-quality images of the exhibited works.
• Essays exploring the themes and trends in contemporary sculpture.
• Biographical and critical insights into the featured artists.

Conclusion

The Shape of Things to Come: New Sculpture at the Saatchi Gallery was a landmark exhibition that celebrated the vibrancy and diversity of modern sculpture. By presenting groundbreaking works from a global array of artists, it illuminated the ways in which sculpture continues to evolve, challenging conventions and expanding its reach into new realms of artistic expression.

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