Simon Gudgeon
Internationally renowned Simon Gudgeon is celebrating 21 years as a sculptor with a retrospective exhibition devoted to his work, which is being held in the gallery space at his sculpture park, Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester.
‘Coming of Age’ is the first major retrospective devoted to Simon’s sculpture, and offers a unique opportunity to revisit and enjoy a selected collection of his work.
The largest collection of Simon’s work ever exhibited, it spans his career, from his first foray into the medium at the age of 40, through his rapid rise and continuing success on the national and international stage.
It traces his artistic journey too, from his early figurative wildlife pieces to his contemporary semi-abstract representations which have won him such acclaim, and feature in some of the most high profile locations around the world as well as in important private collections, including those of three generations of the Royal Family.
The sculptures include a selection of his wildlife sculptures, abstract bird forms, kinetic sculptures, skull sculptures, and outdoor pieces.
This personally selected collection of Simon’s work includes a series of early drawings from his private collection, never on public display before, dramatic mixed-media resin paintings along with some of his beautiful bronze gallery sculptures from the past two decades.
Simon Gudgeon said: “When it occurred to me that I had been a sculptor for 21 years, I decided the time was right to bring together a ‘Coming of Age’ exhibition spanning that creative lifetime and exploring the evolution of my work, from its formative development to ‘adulthood’.
“Just as nothing around us stays the same and everything changes, I am never content to ‘stand still’ either. Developing new ideas, trying new approaches, and pushing my creativity further – these are the things that have always excited me, as this exhibition demonstrates.
Coming of Age – a retrospective of work by Simon Gudgeon is on until 24 October 2020, at The Gallery by the Lakes, a gallery space within Simon’s sculpture park, Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester.
And just as Simon’s ever-changing work through the years has both challenged and delighted audiences, he hopes this new exhibition will do the same.
Simon adds: ‘I hope it will spark curiosity and create conversations as viewers trace the development and transitions of my style through the years. To have filled the past 21 years working on my life’s passion is a wonderful thing. I’m not in the habit of looking backward as an artist – but this exhibition is an exception I’m very happy and proud to make!’
Coming of Age – a retrospective of work by Simon Gudgeon is at The Gallery By the Lakes, Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester, until 24 October 2020. The gallery is open to sculpture park visitors Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00am – 5.00pm. Private viewing outside those times can be arranged by appointment. For more see www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk
