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Steel Sculptures – A solo exhibition of new works

In this practice-led research, Bainbridge continues his investigations into the significance of a reformed modernism. Using reclaimed steel and other more incongruous materials, the aim here is to respond to the innovative and influential development in modernist abstraction from a critical point in art history, specifically the iconic 1950s and 1960s sculptures of artists Anthony Caro and David Smith. This resulted in eight large, predominantly steel structures, which test this sculptural language by extending it’s capacity to include additional and associative content (that Caro could not deal with) Bainbridge problematizes and draws these sculptures into a dialogue that is undeniably an engagement with the current moment. In considering traditions in sculptural development from Europe (Beuys, Arte Povera), and from America (David Smith and critic Greenberg who made Caro‘s name) and the UK’s unique cultural location drawing from both, Bainbridge proffers a reconciliation of diverse sculptural practices previously in opposition.

Steel Sculptures was exhibited at the Camden Art Centre (September – December 2012). The exhibition occupied three galleries and was accompanied by three public talks (by Tate Britain Director Penelope Curtis, Camden Art Centre Director Jenni Lomax, and artist Phyllida Barlow). A brochure with essay by Curtis and catalogue ISBN 978-1-907208-38-6, including an edited public interview with Bainbridge and Curtis, were produced. A public seminar was held in Camden Art Centre during the exhibition, convened by University of Sunderland research group spacesocialspace. The exhibition was highly publicized with full-page ad in Frieze magazine and large posters in Underground stations. The exhibition prompted the Tate to purchase a work for the national collection. The exhibition was reviewed in Art Monthly, November 2012,

Abstract Critical, http://abstractcritical.com/article/eric-bainbridge/

Aesthetica Magazine http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/blog/eric-bainbridge-steel-sculptures/,

One Stop Arts http://onestoparts.com/review-eric-bainbridge-simon-martin-camden-arts-centre