David Nash: 49 Square
Art Outdoors /David Nash: 49 Square
49 Square was created by Nash in 2013 as a permanent work in the YSP landscape. It comprises 49 Himalayan birch trees, which, planted in seven rows of seven, will grow to form a white cube on the lake’s embankment.
This work relates to Ash Dome, a pivotal work created by Nash in 1977. He planted saplings in woodland in North Wales that over time have created a dome shape through the artist regularly cutting and shaping the trees, so they grow in a certain way. Like Ash Dome, 49 Square is also a ‘living’ sculpture.
Making art outside is completely different from working inside. [Inside] we’ve got four walls, a flat floor and ceiling. We’ve neutralised the elemental forces. As soon as you go out there, you are dealing with slopes, wind, air, rain. You are in another dimension. You are not necessarily in competition with it, but you are in it.
- David Nash
David Nash: Ash Dome (drawings)
You might also like
- Art Outdoors
Alfredo Jaar: The Garden of Good and Evil
- Art Outdoors
David Nash: Black Mound
Black Mound was made for the YSP landscape by David Nash in 2013. Once in place, he charred the oak forms through a carefully controlled burning process that relates to his interest in the four elements. - Art Outdoors
Lucy + Jorge Orta: Diana
Woodland Spirit – Diana, formerly known as Ulbelka (a water goddess and the ancient name of the Huveaune, also a word meaning ‘destroyer’, referencing the river’s tempestuous character), was renamed by the artists in 2014 to reflect its current location at YSP. - Art Outdoors
Jaume Plensa: Wilsis
Wilsis appears to be deep in thought or dreaming. Her eyes are closed and she is inward-looking and self-contained, remote from the present moment and the beauty of the surrounding scenery. Although monumental in size at over 7 metres high, this sculpture depicts a normal girl, rather than immortalising a traditionally extraordinary or powerful person.