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Sculptor John Atkin Sculpture Selected
Posted on 14/11/07
P. Klein
14th November 2007
Loughborough University sculptor John Atkin has been selected from a worldwide field of 2,600 applicants to create a sculpture for Olympic Park " the heart of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in China. John is the only British artist to have been chosen.
Atkin is a Reader in Fine Art, Loughborough University School of Art and Design and his research interests include the role of Public Art in Urban Regeneration and the function of interdisciplinary practice within the built environment. He originally studied painting at nearby Leicester Polytechnic before being personally invited by Henry Moore to visit his studios at Much Hadam. Moore was so impressed by Atkins work that he agreed to assist him and funded his postgraduate study at the Royal College of Art.
For the 2008 Games, twenty five artists, selected by a panel of eminent judges, have been commissioned by the Beijing Municipal Government to produce artworks that reflect the 2008 Olympic theme of One World, One Dream. The sculptures will form a major, public exhibition as part of the Olympic Games celebrations, sited alongside some of the most celebrated architectural achievements in the world.
Johns artwork has been inspired by the Wilfred Owen poem Strange Meeting, which recounts a surreal encounter between two dead soldiers who had fought on opposing sides. No longer enemies they find it possible to see beyond conflict and hatred in a shared awareness of "the truth untold.
Carved from granite and marble, the sculpture consists of two identical shapes, echoing the human figure and derived from garment templates. One form is positioned upright, the other lying down. The space between the two sections frames views of the surrounding spaces and also allows people to walk through the sculpture.
Once completed the artwork will measure 3.5 metres in height, width and depth and will weigh 27 tons.
Atkin said:"The opportunity to work on such a large-scale sculpture and use a completely fresh range of materials has been particularly exciting. The marble and granite sections of the artwork are normally beyond the scope of whats possible here in the UK, so its been invigorating to realise a sculpture using such large sections of both materials.
He adds: "The Chinese work force were tremendous " their attention to detail and ability to translate the subtle shifts in form of the sculpture was a remarkable achievement. It was also great to meet a number of artists from other parts of the world at the conference that was organised by the Chinese Sculpture Society, and exchange views and opinions within a well-organised event.
"I hope this is the start of an ongoing relationship between the East and the West, sports sciences and the arts.
The sculpture exhibition will be open to the public in May 2008.
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