Artwork of the Month: May

This month’s work from our permanent collection has been chosen by Chris Dunseath RWA FRBS:

‘I welcomed the challenge of selecting the RWA Artwork of the Month. It was fascinating viewing the substantial body of work that the RWA has acquired over the years. The collection I was invited to select from was primarily work by painters, however being a sculptor I am fascinated by the 2D work of sculptors. It is possible to get significant insights into the creative process of sculptors by looking at their sketchbooks, drawings and prints. I chose Silent Shadow II, a mixed media drawing measuring 24 x 24 cm, which was from a series of 22 developing a similar theme. It was purchased by the RWA in 1992.

Artworks that exist on the edges of disciplines frequently produce intriguing results. Silent Shadow II operates on the boundary of two and three dimensions.

Its controlled use of mark-making, intensity and depth of tone and colour, together with mixed media additions suggest a powerful psychological space. This work on paper hints at the decision making process involved in Ann Christopher’s large scale sculptures and major public commissions.

Ann Christopher is a non-figurative sculptor working primarily in cast bronze, stainless steel, silver and fabricated corten. Her work comprises both large and small sculptures, site specific commissions, drawings and prints. She was elected to the RWA in 1983, elected as a Royal Academician (RA) in 1989 and elected as a Fellow of The Royal British Society of Sculptors (FRBS) in 1992.’

Silent Shadow II is on display for the month of May on the upstairs landing.