Sculpture background

Henry Moore was one of the most influential sculptors of the twentieth century.

London-based Moore was an inspiration internationally with his abstract sculpture, which explored form and the interplay between substance and void, without reference to particular narratives or objects. Many of his works focused on the human form within nature. His study of natural objects led him to see rhythm and form within nature. This was one of the main motivations for moving the piece from the central city to the botanic gardens, because its position within the gardens more accurately reflects the motivation of the artist.

This piece is a cast bronze interpretation of a human figure, seemingly rising from the earth.

What does the Bronze Form represent?

As Moore said,

"All art should have a certain mystery and should make demands on the spectator. Giving a sculpture or a drawing too eplicit a title takes away part of that mystery so that the spectator moves on to the next object, making no effort to ponder the meaning of what he has just seen. Everyone thinks that he or she looks but they don't really, you know."