The Magic Series Exhibition until 5 September 2009

Michael Hevesi is a multi-talented artist and, as the only known practitioner of shadow-casting sculpture in steel influenced by the Indonesian Wayang Kulet tradition, he claims his creations are unique in this country.  His previous exhibition of large scale works The Corridor of Life featured in an exhibition at The Gallery in Cork Street, London in 2004.  The Magic Series – an exhibition of his latest work, conceived as the first of 17 themed ‘Sculpture Series,’ will open on 6 July in the gardens of Michael’s home in Chippenham.

Twenty two themed shadow-cast sculptures, each with colour to reflect humour on one side; and the stark contrast of black and white, to reflect seriousness on the other, will be arranged in Michael’s garden. The artist uses lines and forces in balanced alignment to achieve a balance between solid and hollow shapes.  Like the sculptor Henry Moore, Hevesi believes that the hollow is as important as the solid in the creation of a meaningful shape.

There is a strong dance element present in the sculptures. Although obviously made of solid material and static, Hevesi’s figurative sculptures suggest that movement is only briefly suspended. This feature stems from lifelong influences, partly from his mother the English ballerina Beryl Morina, who was also an examiner of classical ballet.

A second source of inspiration comes from Michael’s studies in social anthropology at the University of Kent at Canterbury in the 1970’s, where in a defining moment he first became interested in Indonesian shadow puppet theatre. While in Kent he developed a strong interest in animistic and spirit cult religions and went on to use a palette of red, white and yellow in his works – emblematic of animal-based symbolism.

Whilst travelling in Europe to experience its life and cultures, Hevesi first exhibited sculpture and paintings at The Quatre Gats Gallery in Barcelona, returning to Spain seven years later, to exhibit at the Ateneu, Sitges.  He then followed with a touring show: The Spirit of Mankind exhibition.  In 1991 Harvey Nichols featured his sculptural work in 30 of its Knightsbridge store windows.  He also showed a sculpture chair: The Duck Billed Platypus in a furniture exhibition at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Sixteen further Hevesi sculpture chairs were exhibited at International Furniture Fairs in Utrecht in the Netherlands and Paris in the mid 1990’s.

A fully illustrated exhibition catalogue with an introduction by David Buckman – author of Artists in Britain since 1945 – will accompany the exhibition. A series of prints will also be on display inside the conservatory.  This location is Hevesi’s first show in the area, having moved to the south west last year.  Hevesi says: “The Magic Series has been inspired “by various characters whom I consider to have magic qualities. To my mind, all human beings have some animal or spirit-like quality that I try to depict.”  It has been suggested that this arrangement of work is, like a Japanese garden, one of contemplation.

All works on show will be for sale.  Exhibition hours: 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday, closed Sundays, at Highfields, 7a Greenway Park, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1QG Tel: 01249 653289 www.thecorridoroflife.com