Tania Kovats (b. 1966, London) works across sculpture, drawing, writing and installation to explore our relationship with our environment. She has an interest in geological formations and how landscapes form naturally over time, without human intervention. Bodies of water are a key area of interest for Kovats. Her investigation into oceans, seas, rivers and changing coastal rock formations are referenced in her artworks. She sees water as a ‘sculptor of the land’ and her practice explores the counterpoint between the organic and man-made.

RAVINE creates the appearance of a natural rock that has been broken apart. By using cast concrete, which has been coloured with black pigment, Kovats is further highlighting her interest in these opposing ideas. The sculpture is perfectly sited in the woodland around Upper Lake. This area appears to be natural but in fact much of this landscape is man-made, including the lake itself, which was hand-dug in the late 18th century and creates the fitting illusion of an organic body of water. The work is intended to be used as a bench and provides people with an opportunity to pause and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Tania Kovats graduated from Newcastle Polytechnic in 1988 before receiving her MA from the Royal College of Art in 1990. She is currently a Professor of Art and Design at the University of Dundee. Kovats’ works are held in public and private collections including the Arts Council England, The British Council, The United Kingdom Government Art Collection and the Victoria & Albert Museum.