On Saturday 18th May Jupiter Artland inaugurated its 2019 Spring and Summer season. This sculpture park is set in 100 acres of natural woodland and meadows and it is composed of a permanent collection, and of temporary exhibitions of emerging artists. Until the 14th July Daniel Lie’s The Negative Years will be shown as part of the Gallery Exhibition. His work will be then replaced by Trisha Brown’s Time, Space and Gravity.
Starting from the permanent collection, Jupiter Artland offers a rather unique experience. The sculptures are set up along a path around two hours long, but there is no set-up route. For Apple users there is the possibility to download an app which will give you information for each artwork. Unfortunately, such service is still not offered for androids, but artworks’ descriptions and the informed support of the staff will make up for it. Being an open-air park, I strongly suggest considering the weather as it can greatly influence the overall experience. However, I have to say, that I visited Jupiter Artland on a gloomy, rainy day and it definitely had its perks. Firstly, the woodlands appeared almost surreal and- as people were scared off by the weather- this feeling was enhanced by the absence of crowds. Therefore, it created even greater awe seeing emerging out of the undisturbed nature massive artworks such as Quarry by Phyllida Barlow.
The setting creates a fascinating tension between what is artificial and what is natural. In a way, due to the natural setting and the way artists were brilliantly capable to interact with it, the line between what is natural and artificial tends to blur. Visitors suspend their disbelief and accept the implausible presence of a gothic cathedral or of a giant gun (The Rose Walk, Landscape with Gun and Tree) in the middle of the woods. The use of organic materials is another approach used to bend the line between reality and art. Greatest examples are the Cells of Life by Charles Jenkes. My absolute favourite was probably The Light Pours Out of Me by Anya Gallacio. The artist disguises an underground chamber of amethyst surrounding it by obsidian in its natural state. At first sight, this piece can go unnoticed, but it reserves a magical experience.
The Negative Years by Daniel Lie offers a broad reflection of life and death. Lie intentionally does not give any explanatory text for its five installations. Their artworks offer the chance to ponder about mortality and rebirth. By using organic material of local provenance, Lie’s pieces will eventually evolve throughout the exhibition decaying and dying but growing and producing new forms of life at the same time. I found their artworks exemplary cases of well-done conceptual art which encourages an introspective reflection that enriches the pieces.
Overall, Jupiter Artland offers what I believe art is meant to transmit, magical wonderment and introspective reflection. I encourage our readers not to miss out The Negative Years, but I generally recommend strongly the overall experience of this extraordinary sculpture-park.
- Backbone @ Underbelly Bristo Square - 23rd August 2019
- Goliath in the Water @ Assembly Checkpoint - 22nd August 2019