Artist Boss
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Anthony Caro’s work and legacy - examining the role of the studio assistant
Friday, 30 September, 2016Anthony Caro’s work and legacy - examining the role of the studio assistant
Artist Boss research project questions the status of production, originality, authenticity, and authorship within twentieth-century British sculpture
A pioneering creative research project, which explores the relationship between artist and assistant officially launched this week with the release of a book that focuses on the prolific sculptor Sir Anthony Caro (1924 – 2013). The book investigates the ‘traditional assistants’ role, its impact on learning and artistic careers.
Artist Boss is initiated by Bath Spa University and Norwich University of the Arts, and is led by Bath Spa University’s Senior Lecturer in Fine Art, Jenny Dunseath, who was herself a studio assistant to Sir Anthony Caro. The project takes an uncharted approach on the reading of Caro’s work and legacy in sculpture today.
The book is published by Wunderkammer Press and co-edited by Dr Mark Wilsher, subject leader of MA Curation at Norwich University of the Arts. It gives unique insights into the experiences of working with Caro through a series of interviews with his studio assistants. Collectively, they offer a range of perspectives on the frequently contentious and widely discussed role of the artist’s assistant. It explores the different ways in which the evolution of sculptural language has been negotiated. This is the first and only extended engagement with the sculptor who is regarded as the 'greatest of his generation' and his studio assistants.
In addition to the book, an exhibition will be held at the New Art Centre, Roche Court, which will provide the public with a unique opportunity to see how artists unified by the forefather of British sculpture explore the language of sculpture today. The exhibition runs from 19th November 2016 to the 29th January 2017. Two associate exhibitions will also take place at The Cut in Suffolk and Bath Spa University’s Bath School of Art and Design.
Commenting on the project, Jenny Dunseath said:
“There are collaborative elements which often influence and change the course of an artist’s work. We set out to provide an intimate and frank interpretation of the artist and ways of working, gaining some wonderful insights from those closest to Caro in the studio and exploring how the experience has shaped their careers.
“At Bath School of Art and Design we encourage our students to consider the effect that the influence of others has on their artistic work. Research such as this not only opens up access to new work and engages new audiences with sculpture, it also stimulates new possibilities and creative thinking for students, academics, artists, and the public.”
Stephen Feeke, Director of the New Art Centre who is hosting the lead exhibition, said of the project:
“Artist Boss explores a fascinating aspect of Caro’s enduring legacy: the influence he had on a younger generation. Caro always struck me as someone who was genuinely interested in the work of other artists, particularly those who worked with him on his own sculpture; he valued their opinions and encouraged their contributions but also wanted to know what they were making for themselves. His studio was remarkable for its sense of community and camaraderie.”
Tim Marlow, Artistic Director at the Royal Academy of Arts who contributed a foreword for the publication, said of the project:
“Artist Boss offers a fascinating perspective which reveals the complex and often challenging systems behind the work. A rare opportunity to gain access to the artist’s thought processes, it illustrates how ideas can take shape collaboratively whilst raising important questions on issues such as individuality and authenticity of the pieces. It is a fresh and engaging way to celebrate new and emerging sculptors together with a distinguished artist from the past.”