Art flourishes at Arboretum as it forges partnership with sculptor Jill
ART lovers are in for a treat if they visit the National Memorial Arboretum over the festive period.
Visitors can enjoy three exhibition galleries within the award-winning Remembrance Centre. They include work by Turner Prize- winner Grayson Perry investigating the repercussions of 9/11 atrocity, and, as a complete contrast, a display that captures the essence of the many animals, trees and fungi that can be found at the arboretum. This exhibition, called Wild Arboretum, features a series of prints by lino-cut artist Gerard Hobson and is on display until March 13. Grayson Perry: A Line Crossed, runs till January 30.
In a further boost for art at the arboretum, bosses have forged a partnership with sculptor Jill Berelowitz to create an immersive Remembrance space adjacent to the Royal British Legion Poppy Field.
Jillhas a track record of constructing large-scale works that articulate her personal experiences and are infused with a positive and often spiritual feel. Taking inspiration from the stories behind the more than 400 memorials at the arboretum and the surrounding natural environment, Jill will create a new sculptural piece cast in bronze to be nestled within a new wooded glade. This sculpture will feature personal dedications, to loved ones or to mark special occasions for celebration and Remembrance. From spring 2022, people will be able to commission these beautiful leaves and figurative elements of the sculpture ahead of its unveiling in summer 2022.
Chris Ansell, head of participation and learning, said: “Jill has created some incredibly moving and evocative sculptures. We’re confident that this partnership will result in a striking and thought-provoking piece of art to sit at the heart of our new Remembrance space, complementing the hundreds of existing beautifully-sculpted memorials constructed from a diverse range of materials.”
More details about the initiative will be shared next year.