Much that pleases in sculpture park exhibition at historic Shaw House

‘Altered States’: Open-air Sculpture exhibition
at Shaw House, Newbury
until September 28

Review by GAVIN WILKINSON

Once again we have the rare opportunity of enjoying a major exhibition of new outdoor work in the grounds of Shaw House, with all but three of the 86 artists new participants this year.

Kay Singla - When I’m Thinking You -Cold Cast Bronze — Kay Singla – When I’m Thinking You -Cold Cast Bronze

The pleasure of this free-entry show, curated by Jim Crockatt, lies in its wide stylistic variety, and it is particularly rewarding for those who would not normally visit an art gallery.

There is inevitably much well-crafted, predictably figurative work, but pieces have been selected for their expressiveness rather than their adherence to realism. Picking out the unusual, the questioning and the challenging highlights does not detract from the appeal of other mainstream work.

Martin Cash - Reaching for Eudaimonia -Polyurea with Quartz Crystal — Martin Cash – Reaching for Eudaimonia -Polyurea with Quartz Crystal

On arriving, one is greeted by an avenue of figures and heads. ‘Bliss’ by Kay Singla stands apart in its integration of solid form and surface portraiture. The direct modelling of ‘Icarus’ by Eve Shepherd uses hints of colour to subtle effect. ‘Curious Tower’ by Emma Fenelon has a discursive, story-telling vibe, inviting the viewer to read from top to bottom.

The three finely engineered, stainless-steel kinetic works by Martin Jarvis respond to the slightest breeze and give meaning to work that demands an outside placement.

Kay Singla - Pretty Woman - Bronze Resin — Kay Singla – Pretty Woman – Bronze Resin

There are some obvious show-stoppers. The multicolours of Laura Woods’ big shark belie the transient wire material and implied menace. The physical believability of the life-size, shimmering steel horse by Paul Pibworth contrasts the unexpected construction material with its assured realism.

Christine Baxter’s group of seven relaxing hares has a liveliness that will delight. Caroline Russell has understood the power of combining semi-abstract figuration with pure geometry in ‘Abstract Thinker 11’, a case of Jacob Epstein meets Donald Judd.

The perfectly balanced simplicity of Misti Leitz’s benches, wrought with two contrasting elements of round stone and wooden wedge, emphasizes the range of work on view.

Kay Singla - Calmness Within - Bronze Resin — Kay Singla – Calmness Within – Bronze Resin

It must be remembered that generally each piece is an isolated example of every artist’s oeuvre. So when contemplating the wooden tower by Rosie Leventon it is worth exploring her previous site-specific and environmental works, important examples of which can be found at Sutton Hoo.