This summer presents its largest exhibition yet: an extensive survey of Austrian artist, Franz West鈥檚 work, collated and developed with the artist before his death in July 2012. Where is my Eight? focuses on his use of combination, exploring the way West re-configured individual works in new combinations.
In line with West鈥檚 belief that art should be experienced on both a physical and an intellectual level, several of the works on display feature an interactive element. This will include an opportunity to use his signature 鈥楢daptives鈥 (Passst眉cke) pieces. Intended by the artist to 鈥渁dapt鈥 to the body, they offer flexible results that vary according to the visitor or wearer, time and context. There will also be a selection of outdoor sculptures that extend the show into The Hepworth Wakefield鈥檚 riverside gardens.
With seven out of the gallery鈥檚 ten David Chipperfield-designed spaces showcasing West鈥檚 work, it鈥檚 the largest exhibition since the gallery opened three years ago. The parallels between Barbara Hepworth and Franz West will also be explored in an addition to the exhibition in the Hepworth Family Gift, the gallery鈥檚 centrepiece collection. As one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, West鈥檚 art will resonate with the gallery鈥檚 existing collection and explore connections between West and Hepworth: examining the use of plaster as material and looking at the way both artists returned to adapt previous works.
Visitors can enter the exhibition for free and explore futher participation through a series of events and talks relationing to Where is my Eight? across the summer.
Franz West, Where is my Eight?, 13 June – 14 September, The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5AW, .
Credit:
1. Installation shot of Franz West, Where is my Eight? Courtsey of The Hepworth Wakefield
