Video: Conrad Shawcross Reveals the Making Process of his ‘Three Perpetual Chords’

Conrad Shawcross, the youngest living Royal Academician, is currently fabricating a series of cast iron sculptures for Dulwich Park, which will be launched to the public on 18 April 2015.  The sculptures, entitled Three Perpetual Chords, have been commissioned by Southwark Council in partnership with the Contemporary Art Society as a public art legacy to the Barbara Hepworth sculpture Two Forms (Divided Circle), stolen from the park in 2011. This video reveals the procedures and processions taken when making this permanent public art work.

The Contemporary Art Society managed the artist commissioning process following an extensive public consultation in conjunction with the Dulwich Park Commission Steering Group. The longlist of artists brought forward by the Contemporary Art Society reflected the wealth of creative talent found in the UK today at a range of levels, from the established to the emerging talents showing great promise. Our focus ensured that the appointed artist would be inspired and respond well to the parks context, inviting new ways in which the park can be appreciated whilst also reflecting on the legacy of the Hepworth which stood there before.

Fabienne Nicholas, Head of Consultancy, Contemporary Art Society, said:

We had a very strong shortlist of artists for this commission and their ideas were put to a public consultation, in which over four hundred people gave their views. What was universally loved about Conrad’s sculpture was the generosity of the three works with their magnitude and beauty, and his sympathy to Hepworth’s approach to form.

Shawcross was born in 1977 in London, where he currently resides and works. Recent solo presentations include: Careyes Foundation, Mexico (2014); The Vinyl Factory Space, London (2014); Berwaldhallen, Stockholm (2014); ARTMIA, Beijing (2014); Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2013); National Gallery, London (2012); MUDAM, Luxembourg (2012); Science Museum, London (2011) and Turner Contemporary, Margate (2011). His work has been exhibited at institutions including MONA, Tasmania (2014 and 2011); Grand Palais, Paris (2013); Hayward Gallery, London (2013) and KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin (2012).

A public launch will be held for the sculptures on 18 April 2015 at 2pm. All are welcome
Dulwich Park, Off College Road, London SE21 7BQ. 
Dulwich Park’s April Opening Hours: 07.30 – 20.30, Admission: Free

For more information, please visit the website:

www.southwark.gov.uk/dulwichparkart
conradshawcross.com
www.contemporaryartsociety.org/?p=11676