Hayward Gallery’s When Forms Come Alive is a lively and playful exhibition that presents different facets of sculptures. The show summarises the ways in which artists have been inspired by movement, organic growth, a dancer’s gesture, natural phenomena such as the breaking of a wave or the interlacing systems of a spider’s web. Spanning over 60 years of contemporary art, the display includes energetic forms, by over 20 international artists including Ernesto Neto, Franz West, Jean-Luc Moulène and Tara Donovan. Here’s our selection of pieces that seem to blossom, erupt, ooze, undulate and sprawl in the gallery space.
Power Tower, 2019 | Lynda Benglis
Lynda Benglis (b. 1941) is an American sculptor and visual artist recognised for her wax paintings and poured latex sculptures. Her expressive forms blend the boundaries between organic figures and abstract shapes. Power Tower is Benglis’ eight-foot-tall twisting and undulating form made of polished bronze.
A Subsequent Offering, 2017 | EJ Hill
A Subsequent Offering was part of performance artist EJ Hill’s (b. 1985) show of the same title in 2017 at Human Resources, LA. He lay on a platform of the object, for four months, up to nine-hours a day, whilst his torso was lit by the rollercoaster. The piece draws attention to the power of the human body and mind.
Untitled (Mylar), 2011 | Tara Donovan
Throughout her career, Tara Donovan (b. 1969) has created large-scale objects that accumulate man-made and low-grade materials including plastic cups, drinking straws, pieces of glass and metal. Untitled (Mylar) contains folded and attached mylar tape and it highlights the overlooked beauty of the world around us.
Untitled, 2022 | Phyllida Barlow
Sculptor Phyllida Barlow (1944-2023) often worked with inexpensive materials like cement, cardboard, fabric, plywood, polystyrene and scrim. At When Forms Come Alive, Barlow’s brightly painted anti-monumental object encourages visitors to walk around and reflect on the way they engage with art.
Pumping, 2019 | Eva Fàbregas
Spanish artist Eva Fàbregas (b. 1988) is known for expanding the boundaries of sculpture and creating amusing sensual works. Her site-specific piece at Hayward Gallery fills up the surrounding space. From the movement of the public, the object starts to vibrate, reorienting the public’s experience of the display.
When Forms Come Alive | Hayward Gallery, London | Until 6 May
Words: Fruzsina Vida
Image credits:
1. Installation view of Tara Donovan, When Forms Come Alive (7 February — 6 May 2024). Photo: Jo Underhill. Courtesy the Hayward Gallery.
2. Lynda Benglis. Power Tower, 2019. White tombasil bronze. 228.6 x 179.4 x 172.2 cm © Lynda Benglis. Courtesy the artist, Pace Gallery and Thomas Dane Gallery. Photo: Davin Lavikka/Pace Gallery.
3. Installation view of EJ Hill, When Forms Come Alive (7 February — 6 May 2024). Photo: Jo Underhill. Courtesy the Hayward Gallery.
4. Tara Donovan, Untitled (Mylar), 2011/2018. Mylar and hot glue. Dimensions Variable. Installation view, MCA Denver. Photo: Christopher Burke. Courtesy the artist and Pace Gallery.
5. Installation view of Phyllida Barlow, When Forms Come Alive (7 February — 6 May 2024). Photo: Jo Underhill. Courtesy the Hayward Gallery.
6. When Forms Come Alive, Hayward Gallery February 2024 Eva Fabregas
