Artist talks announced for this autumn at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

HENRY Moore Studios & Gardens is pleased to announce a captivating series of Artist Talks this autumn, featuring leading contemporary artists who will explore the dynamic intersection of inspiration, sculpture, and the natural world. This series, inspired by the profound influence of Henry Moore’s work, will delve into how contemporary artists engage with these themes in their own practices.

The series begins on 14 September 2024 with renowned Saudi Arabian artist Manal AlDowayan. Currently representing Saudi Arabia at the Venice Biennale 2024 with her piece Shifting Sands: A Battle Song, AlDowayan will discuss how Moore’s exploration of human and natural forms has informed and inspired her own multidisciplinary practice. AlDowayan’s work, which spans photography, sound, sculpture, and participatory art, interrogates traditions, collective memories, and the status and representation of women. Her artistic practice navigates the overlapping territories of the personal and the political, rooted in lived experiences and social commentary.

On 5 October 2024, Shezad Dawood, a multidisciplinary artist who interweaves stories, realities, and symbolism to create richly layered artworks, will share insights into his practice. His work, which spans painting, textiles, sculpture, film, and digital media, is animated by a deep engagement with ecologies and architecture. Dawood’s philosophical approach to art often involves ‘world-building,’ exploring alternative futures through narrative, history, and embodiment.

The series concludes on 26 October 2024 with London –based artist Rana Begum. Known for her refined language of Minimalist abstraction, Begum’s work blurs the boundaries between sculpture, painting, and architecture, drawing inspiration from the urban landscape and the geometric patterns of Islamic art. In her talk, Begum will reflect on how Moore’s processes and the natural world inspire her creative practice.