I am writing a review on the artist Barbara Hepworth and her work that is displayed at the Sculpture Park, after visiting on 25th September. The piece is titled 'Family of Man' which she created as one of her later pieces in the 1970s.
Barbara Hepworth was one of the first well known woman sculpture artist who created contemporary pieces using traditional methods. She studied at both the Leeds School of Art and The Royal Art College of London, before travelling to gain influence and experience. Artists such as Henry Moore and Ben Nicholas played a huge part in her works.
This particular Art work 'Family of Man' is a 9 piece exhibition, made from bronze, which due to its individuality of the pieces is known to explore into different stages of life/humanity. The set begins with 'Young Girl' ending with 'Ancestors' giving a feel of adding maturaty and depth to each age. The piece also takes influence from her childhood, travelling with her father seeing scenes of working industrial towns and grand landscapes along the way. She wanted her Art to fulfill a landscape, changing the way it's seen in all seasons.
This piece captured my attention at first based on it's quite simple use of organic shapes and dull colouring, however understanding the meaning and influences make it tell a story. Just the title of the piece is interesting, using the word 'man' could be meaning mankind, what is it? what happens within? which is what she is trying to show. I also like how the sculptures are all individual to their age, building up with more layers, representing how a persons maturity and life experience grows.
