Fragments: A Fusion of Dance, Sculpture and Photography is the result of a collaboration between ceramicist Mandy Long, photographer Stephen Cole and dancers Tony Polo and Pablo Reyero. It runs until 31 March.
This is the second such exhibition of photographs of dancers paired with the sculpture they inspire that Mandy and Stephen have worked on.
This blend of dance and sculpture is perfectly suited to the location. Yorkshire is well-known as a hub for sculpture, featuring the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Hepworth Wakefield and the Henry Moore Institute. It is also a centre for dance, hosting Northern Ballet, Phoenix Dance Theatre and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD). Freelance dancers and choreographers, Tony Polo and Pablo Reyero, have brought their wide experience and passion to the project. Both dancers have an association with NSCD, and Tony has worked with the Phoenix.
Mandy is one of the six co-owner/artists in the Gallery, which has gained a fine reputation for presenting unique sculpture in a purpose-designed setting. A specialist in paperclay, which is then raku fired, Mandy’s work is mostly figurative, and largely inspired by human movement, both in contemporary dance and sport. Mandy says, “Although I do use photography as a primary resource, this was the first time that I was able to be in at the time the photographer was taking the pictures. It has given an added immediacy to the way I feel about the work I’m making. ‘Fragments’ was a title that evolved between the four of us, but this style of fragmented work is something I’ve been working on for about a year now.”
Stephen has a commercial background in photography and was a police photographer for a number of years. Focussing on his artistic practice now, he specialises in portraits and urban landscapes. Stephen says, “This exhibition continues the collaborative work Mandy and I began. I find the collaborative process deeply inspiring. Working with others brings fresh perspectives and fosters a mutual respect that elevates the work of everyone involved.”
The Sculpture Gallery hopes art lovers of every kind and contemporary dance fans come to the exhibition, to celebrate this creative collaboration.
For further information, please contact:
http://www.thesculpturegallery.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090906186038
Sculptures and sculpture images by Mandy Long. Dancers photography by Stephen Cole.
