Richard Long is considered one of the leading exponents of British Land Art. He was among a generation of artists who wanted to extend the possibilities of sculpture beyond the confines of traditional materials, expanding the artist’s view from that of observing the landscape to journeying through it. The materials used, such as stones, pebbles and driftwood, are gathered in situ and assembled by Long into circles, lines and eclipses. The artist’s walks, which have taken him through Nepal, Africa, Mexico, Bolivia and remote areas of Britain, are documented with photographs, wall drawings and printed statements.

This exhibition will bring together, for the first time, all of the artist’s prints, made over a 40-year period. These provide great insight into the relationship between Long’s sculpture and graphic work. Highlights include Dartmoor Walks (1972), Being in the Moment (1999), and No Footprints (2013), a new limited edition print created expressly for the occasion of the exhibition. The latter makes reference to a walk in Antartica in December 2012 when it was not possible for the artist to leave behind any footprints at all in the frozen, bluish ice masses.

Spring Circle, 1992 marks a walk through north Cornwall with an arrangement of greenish-blue slate in a circle on the floor. The slate has been cut to preserve its natural form and is presented with the smooth side up, allowing natural sunlight in the Gallery to dance upon the surface of the material.

Harmony and balance are guiding principles for Long, who has described his work as a meeting of ‘human characteristics with the natural forces and patterns of the world.’

Spring Circle, 1992 compliments the Richard Long: Prints 1970-2013 exhibition, the first comprehensive survey of prints by the artist in the UK.

The New Art Gallery
Gallery Square
Walsall WS2 8LG United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0)19 22654400
info@thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk

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Related images

  1. Richard Long, Mud Hand Print. 1984, Imprint of the artist’s right hand with River Avon mud (monotype) on white cardboard 32 x 45 cm (Edition: 100 copies). Photography: Museum Kurhaus Kleve, Annegret Gossens © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn, for Richard Long
  2. Richard Long, Rosin Dubh – A Slow Air, 1976, Offset Lithograph, 50 x 76 cm
  3. Richard Long, The artist at his studio