On the 28th May, Hauser & Wirth Somerset are opening a Henry Moore retrospective, so it seems fitting to dedicate this week's article to explore Moore's works from 'Plinth to Paper'.
To forge moments of sensitive intimacy from a material as unyielding as bronze is a process mastered by only a few creative greats. It is no surprise, then, that the twentieth century saw Henry Moore, the Yorkshire-born son of a miner, blossom into one of the most culturally significant artists in British history. Known for his large-scale sculptural explorations of the human form, Moore's works can be found in sculpture parks, galleries, and city streets around the world. Works on paper, however, held a particular significance for the artist, and today provide a fascinating insight into his process and development.
Drawing from a great spectrum of visual inspiration, from North African semi-abstract forms to the futurist works of Alberto Giacometti, paper-based works gave Moore the vital opportunity to experiment with these varying influences and develop his own unique voice. A master draughtsman, Moore utilised line, cross-hatching and splashes of colour in order to produce images which are simultaneously chiselled, yet two-dimensional.
Alongside his da Vinci-esque studies of shape and perspective, Moore took to works such as his Seated Figure of 1980 to test the boundaries of depth, opacity and grandeur in the medium of print. Rich in a stoic solidity and sense of weight - such works are a truly special find.
Moore's final years, in particular, saw the artist become a prolific printmaker. From the late 1960s to the early 1980s he produced hundreds of etchings and lithographs as a means of consolidating his legacy as a master of form and abstract figuration. His Black Reclining Figure series, for example, perfectly demonstrate Moore's signature approach to the human form and mastery of mark-making.
Hidden Gallery is proud to hold a wonderful collection of Henry Moore's work in print - speak with one of our advisors today to find out how you could add one of his exquisite works to your own collection.
