Art trip to Messums Gallery to see the 'Man is an Animal' Exhibition by Dame Elisabeth Frink

On Tuesday 12^th October, the Sixth Form artists visited Messums, Wiltshire as part of their investigation into Dame Elisabeth Frink’s (RA) exhibition called, ‘Man is an Animal’.

Our inspiring trip began on a gloriously misty, but crisp autumnal morning, with a stunning drive through the undulating open scenery characterised by large fields and isolated tree clumps. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Gallery Director, Melissa Stourton, and Head of Programming, Hannah Hooks, along with the friendly resident canines. After refreshments and an introduction, we were treated to a guided tour and VIP short film viewing in the 13^th Century Monastic Tithe Barn. This was an excellent opportunity to experience a large body of sculptural forms first hand, gaining valuable insights into Frink’s artistic career, including the process, key themes and closet collaborators.

Frink’s range of subject matter included men, animals and birds, exploring their shapes to convey tension, aggression and vulnerability. She is renowned for her expressionist figurative style and life-long preoccupation with conflict, injustice and capturing a sense of man’s capacity for brutality.

For Frink, the male nude was the ultimate vehicle for expressing a range of emotions, most notably the contrast of strength and vulnerability, and the complexity of man’s nature. It was fascinating to see how our pupils connected with the challenging nature of Frink’s work. Throughout, pupils were inquisitive and responded maturely, leading to a series of dynamic observational recordings of largely Frink’s male figures and heads. These studies captured a real sense of form, texture and sensitivity of mark making, including a range of facial expression from the aggressive to the guarded and vulnerable. 

Pupils will be designing a series of 3D paper sculpture experiments in response to their gallery experience inspired by Elizabeth Frink. To compliment this, they will be exploring form and texture with an introduction into the Formal Elements over the coming weeks. Whilst they will continue to develop their technical skills during a series of life class sessions.

George Cole - Art Teacher

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