An abstract sculpture of a humanoid figure covered in draped fabric, displayed outdoors surrounded by trees.

Erwin Wurm: Balzac

Art Outdoors /

Erwin Wurm: Balzac

This 3.2m high painted aluminium work was created during preparations for Erwin Wurm’s Trap of the Truth exhibition, which was on display at YSP in summer 2023–2024.

The title Balzac was given to the work on its completion, in recognition of Rodin’s seminal sculpture, Monument to Balzac (1898), in which the poet is shown swathed in his robe so that clothing and figure meld together. In Wurm’s enigmatic sculpture, a figure is consumed by contemporary clothing and handbags, or perhaps is the consumer of luxury goods.
 

Balzac was generously gifted to YSP by Erwin Wurm in 2024, joining the permanent collection.

  • An abstract sculpture of a humanoid figure covered in draped fabric, displayed outdoors surrounded by trees.
  • An abstract sculpture of a humanoid figure covered in draped fabric, displayed outdoors surrounded by trees.
  • An abstract sculpture of a humanoid figure covered in draped fabric, displayed outdoors surrounded by trees.

Balzac makes a significant contribution to our collection of modern and contemporary sculpture and beautifully extends our history of art narrative in a work that is both figurative and abstract. Balzac stands as a legacy of a dynamic, engaging and highly memorable exhibition, and we are happy that future visitors to YSP will be able to experience this work in the 18th century landscape. I’m deeply grateful to Erwin for the generosity he has shown Yorkshire Sculpture Park over the course of the development and presentation of a quite wonderful exhibition and in gifting this important work to us.

- Clare Lilley, YSP Director

Explore our grounds

You may also like

  1. A woman with brown hair wearing a black geometric patterned top
    Profile

    Jo Blaker

    Artist Educator
  2. A woman with shoulder length brown hair and glasses, wearing a pink shirt.
    Profile

    Sam Henney

  3. Thomas J Price, Network, 2013. Private Collection. Courtesy Hales Gallery at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Thomas J Price: Network

    In Network, Thomas J. Price continues his exploration of identity and representation. He creates sculptures that represent people of African descent to disrupt the typified figures shown in classical Roman and Greek art, and to question who we chose to celebrate in artworks.
  4. David Nash Seventy One Steps 2010 in the snow at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    David Nash: Seventy-one Steps

    71 oak slabs were charred and oiled on site before installing, and were placed to work with the lie of the land. The steps are completed by 30 tonnes of coal surrounding the steps, creating a stunning installation that will erode and change over time.