A couple of miles from Liverpool city centre is Crosby beach. A sandy beach, where swimming is forbidden due to the mixture of soft sand and mud and the risk of changing tides. But this is a beach with a difference as here you will find the 'Another Place' sculptures by Anthony Gormley.
100 life size, cast iron figures are spread out over 3 kilometres along the beach and almost one kilometre out to sea.
Each figure weighs 650kg and is a cast of the artists's own body.
They all stand on the beach and look out to the horizon. One explanation behind this installation is a response to the sentiments of emigration, the sadness associated with leaving and the hope of a new future in another place.
We arrived at high tide and realised that many of the figures were underwater by then, so we returned in the evening when the tide was out.
Although we saw more of the figures, they are so spaced out that it was difficult to get more than a handful in any one photo.
According to Antony Gormley, '
Another Place harnesses the ebb and flow of the tide to explore man's relationship with nature. He explains: The seaside is a good place to do this. Here time is tested by tide, architecture by the elements and the prevalence of sky seems to question the earth's substance. In this work human life is tested against planetary time. This sculpture exposes to light and time the nakedness of a particular and peculiar body. It is no hero, no ideal, just the industrially reproduced body of a middle-aged man trying to remain standing and trying to breathe, facing a horizon busy with ships moving materials and manufactured things around the planet.'
Interesting sculptures! I wonder how many people have mistaken them for real persons and thought someone was drowning?
ReplyDeleteWow---those sculptures look SO real ---whether they are in the water or standing on the beach.. Makes one feel as if there are people all around them... Amazing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
An artist well known to me, but I wasn't aware of these sculptures. They must be bolted to rock under the water.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing installation. I wonder how they don't get washed away?
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing project is this. At first sight it looks like people are swimming in the wild sea.
ReplyDeleteWow! These are amazing and very original. I also wonder what keeps them from washing away. Thanks for sharing these, another fascinating thing in your neighborhood. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been to see Another Place too. We saw it at low tide on a sunny day so our shots are quite different from yours. I do remember falling into an area of quicksand though and losing my shoe - you have to be very careful there. Your photos are excellent.
ReplyDeleteI thought at the first photo that it was someone in the water despite the no swimming restriction. How do those figures remain there with out being toppled by the constant wave action? Amazing sight.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool and interesting. I'm with the others, how do they keep the statues in place?
ReplyDeleteWow ! That is just amazing ! It must look very strange to see all these sculptures in the sea !
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing sight. The sculptures look so real from a distance. The last shot is beautiful with the sunset. Great post, enjoy your new week!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised they survive the constant wave action on the sand. Such an interesting idea, putting them in the sea.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do agree with the others!! What an amazing, incredible sight and what a terrific idea!! Some people do have great, different ideas!! Thanks for sharing these!!
ReplyDeleteVery impressive idea! They look so real and it made me think watching the picture with big waves before the figure.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Such an interesting idea to put all those figures out in the sea in different positions. I do wonder how they manage to stay upright and in position with the constant action of the tide around them.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of a fascinating subject ~ amazing beach and sculptures!
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you!
artmusedog and carol
Wow! Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteThese statues in the fluctuating ocean are fascinating and tell a poignant story simply by staying still.
ReplyDeletereally cool sculptures! I'm surprised they dont' get washed away by the tide ?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. That water looks looks far too cold for swimming anyway!
ReplyDeleteInteresting sculptures on the beach.
ReplyDeleteThey are a wonderful installation on the beach. It's on my list of things to see and do.
ReplyDeleteHi! I feel the sadness from the sculpters very much. These arts are very impressive. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow - fabulous shots of the sculptures. There is something melancholy about them.
ReplyDeleteStunning and impressive! Makes me think of all the poor people making their way over the Mediterranean in the search and hope of finding a better life.
ReplyDeleteOh my stars...this is terrific. I must call my husband here to see the photos before I 'check out' from commenting.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think the sculpture used his own body for the mold. Absolutely Amazing!!!
I really want to see these - but its a bit far to come and when I am there I am else where! Oh well!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Amazing what people can do. Never heard of this installation. Would love to see it for myself. Your evening images are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to visit this but have never been able to make it.
ReplyDelete