Barry Flanagan (1941-2009) was one of the most inventive British artists. In autumn, the Tate Britain shows his early work in a solo exhibition and positions him as a key figure in the development of British and international sculpture. Worldwide he is known for his bronze hares, which are among his later works. The success of this work has somewhat obscured the view of his work in the early period. The current exhibition allows reconsideration of the early phase from 1965 to 1982 and ends with the works of his first international exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale and the Documenta 7.
The exhibition brings Flangan's concerns to the fore, playing with the characteristics of materials and processes as well as with tradition and anti-tradition; also concerns that have accompanied him throughout his career. The museum also exhibits works which explore the range of paintings and sculpture.
Curators: Clarrie Wallis (Contemporary British Art) and Andrew Wilson (Modern & Contemporary British Art)
www.tate.org.uk
27 September 2011 until 2 January 2012
