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Making the Connection Artists Directory
Public Art in Ipswich
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Human beings have been making images of themselves, and of each other, from the earliest times. Whether it’s in a portrait, an historical tableau, a statue of a god, a legendary narrative or a funeral mask, people have used the human form to represent their deepest meanings and beliefs about themselves and the society they live in. This special exhibition drew together some of the finest pieces from all parts of Ipswich Museums and Galleries permanent collections and presented a spectacular celebration of the human form in art, archaeology and ethnography. From Ancient Egypt, Mexico, Etruscan Italy, Japan, and Easter Island, to English folk-art, the Mediaeval Church, Gainsborough, Frost and Frink, we traced out expressions of human beauty and ugliness, symbolism, emotion and religion over three and a half thousand years. Some of the finest, most beautiful and valuable of the Museums’ possessions were included in this show, and many are of international importance. They span the continents of the world, and the ages of mankind over 3,500 years, from the evocative art of ancient Egypt and Rome, to North and South America, India and Melanesia - from the beauties of mediaeval Christian art, to the portraits of Gainsborough, and the work of artists such as Maggie Hambling. European art of the Human Form was shown alongside high expressions of culture in ethnic and archaeological treasures worldwide. Some items had not been on show for many years, others had been exhibited around the world. Among the exhibition was the marvellous figurine of St John, ofc.1170 AD, from Rattlesden, an international art-treasure newly acquired for the Borough for £95,000 in 1999, in competition with a famous art-collector. |
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