LONDON.- Pangolin London announced an upcoming exhibition by renowned Royal Academician Ann Christopher. This poignant and evocative show will feature a series of new sculptures, works on paper, and selected pieces from previous decades.
“The title ‘Silence is a Powerful Sound’ reflects my personal journey over the past three years. During this time, I experienced a profound silence, both in grappling with the challenges of making work and coming to terms with the eventual death of my partner Ken. This period of introspection has been marked by a significant transformation in my work. While unsettling, these silent moments are crucial for moving forward. As Mark Rothko said, ‘Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take risks,’” says Christopher.
The exhibition will include new sculptures that offer a rare glimpse into Ann Christopher’s creative journey. These works, not yet cast in bronze, reveal the artist’s initial vision and working process. Accompanying these sculptures are twelve new works on paper from her ‘Broken Time’ series, which she first developed during lockdown, and have been a source of calm continuity through a turbulent time.
This series highlights Christopher’s exploration of found lines, shapes, colours, patterns, and shadows that she finds in everyday objects, often first captured through photography. These works have a three-dimensional quality, achieved through their layered composition and the use of decal-edged paper, each mounted within the frame to cast a slight shadow. Also on display will be a selection of Ann Christopher’s photographs and a vitrine of found objects.
In addition to the new works, ‘Silence is a Powerful Sound’ will feature a selection of earlier pieces, to illustrate Christopher’s artistic evolution. A highlight of the show is the large sculpture Following the Journey. Originally commissioned to stand in the Keeper’s House Garden at the Royal Academy of Arts, this 5-metre- tall piece made of resin, aluminium, and stainless steel will be transformed and hung on the gallery wall, presenting a new perspective on this monumental work.
Ann Christopher’s work embodies a delicate balance between precision and the handmade, often involving a complex process of shaping, casting, and finishing. Her sculptures are celebrated for their contemplative presence, evoking modern industrial landscapes, ancient stones, and natural formations.
Throughout her career, Christopher has adhered to the artistic principles established in the 1960s by artists such as Sir Anthony Caro, believing that a sculpture can be considered a mysterious monument or an abstract ‘presence,’ without being directly descriptive. Her practice reflects a harmonious blend of modernity and timelessness, drawing inspiration from her extensive travels around the world.
In 1980, at only 32 years old, Ann Christopher was one of the youngest sculptors elected to the Royal Academy. This year, she served as the chief coordinator for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, a prestigious role reflecting her esteemed position in the art world.
A catalogue will be available on request.
