Arp: The Poetry of Forms

Jean Arp Turner Contemporary

This Autumn Turner Contemporary presents Arp: The Poetry of Forms, the first exhibition in a public gallery of Jean Arp’s work in the UK since 1966.

Jean Arp, known as Hans when in Germany, was one of the most versatile and powerfully original abstract artists of the 20th century, rejecting art institutions and the practices that he saw as perpetuating elitist values. He was a pioneer in the use of chance when creating his work, influencing 20th century art movements including abstraction, surrealism, and constructivism.

Over 70 sculptures and reliefs – many of which have not been on display previously in the UK – will feature in Arp: The Poetry of Forms.

Alongside these artworks will be publications of Arp’s poetry and writings. Arp was an ‘intermedia’ artist years before the term existed, and he drew conscious connections between his visual work and his poetry. As artist and wordsmith, Arp’s titles often interact with the visual forms he created in amusing or playful ways.

‘Arp’s artworks convey the sheer pleasure he took in working with materials of all sorts.’ – Eric Robertson

Arp (16 September 1886 – 7 June 1966) was a German-French sculptor, painter, poet, and abstract artist. Born in Strasbourg, he published poetry in Paris, exhibited alongside Matisse in Munich, and was a pioneering figure of the Dada movement in Zürich. He won many awards including the Grand Prize for sculpture at the 1954 Venice Biennale. Arp collaborated with and married fellow artist Sophie Taeuber.

Duration 13 October 2017 - 14 January 2018
Times Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays 10am - 6pm
Cost Free
Venue Turner Contemporary
Address Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG
Contact / info@turnercontemporary.org / www.turnercontemporary.org

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