The Hepworth Wakefield confirms special exhibition to mark tenth anniversary

The Hepworth Wakefield will host an special exhibition of Dame Barbara Hepworth's work as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations.
The Hepworth Wakefield will host an special exhibition of Dame Barbara Hepworth's work as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations. Pictured is the gallery at its opening in May 2011.The Hepworth Wakefield will host an special exhibition of Dame Barbara Hepworth's work as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations. Pictured is the gallery at its opening in May 2011.
The Hepworth Wakefield will host an special exhibition of Dame Barbara Hepworth's work as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations. Pictured is the gallery at its opening in May 2011.

The museum, which opened in 2011, will present dozens of pieces of Hepworth's work, including strung sculptures, bronze and carved pieces and rarely seen drawings, paintings and fabric designs, as part of the special anniversary exhibition.

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Described as "the most expansive exhibition of Barbara Hepworth's work in the UK" since her death in 1975, the exhibition will coincide wit the release of a new book on her life and career, as well as a special one hour documentary which will air on Sky Arts in 2021.

Simon Wallis, Director of The Hepworth Wakefield, said: "2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. What better way to come back and mark our 10th anniversary than with a timely look at Wakefield’s most famous daughter?

"With this major exhibition, new book and television documentary, we will continue to build on the legacy and influence of a true pioneer of modern sculpture. Hepworth is a daily inspiration for us at the gallery and we look forward to sharing some of her greatest work with a wide new audience."

Contemporary artists Tacita Dean and Veronica Ryan have been commissioned to create new works, which will explore themes and ideas which interested Hepworth.

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These works, along with art by Bridget Riley from the 1960s, will be presented in dialogue with Hepworth's work at the exhibition.

Eleanor Clayton said: "Barbara Hepworth is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, with a unique artistic vision that demands to be looked at in-depth.

"This exhibition will shine a light on Hepworth's wide-ranging interests and how they infused her art practice.

"Deeply spiritual and passionately engaged with political, social and technological debates in the 20th century, Hepworth was obsessed with how the physical encounter with sculpture could impact the viewer and alter their perception of the world."

Barbara Hepworth: Art and Life will run at The Hepworth Wakefield from May 21 to October 31, 2021.