Winter Sculpture Park
UPDATE
This review (and the imagery) is from 01 Mar 2022.
Click here to read our Interview with Gallery No.32 and visit our Outdoor Sculpture Trail Guide for the latest information about the 2023 WSP and other outdoor art options.
Winter Sculpture Park 2022 Review
During the lockdowns, Gallery No. 32 (@Gallery_no.32) was conceived as a way for emerging artists to engage with art-hungry audiences. From the onsite Portaloo to the art itself, there’s a distinct DIY aesthetic to their latest exhibition.
Seeing 43 artists in a field in Bexley, roughly half an hour out of Central London by train, will make you feel like you’re worlds away. Maybe it’s the constant stream of dog walkers and families following the footpaths, or the fact that there’s not a building in sight taller than the trees.
There are fun surprises… but also some things that will make you question why you’re traipsing through overgrown grasslands in the middle of seemingly nowhere. Context is everything so be sure to read up on the work. Although to be fair, even the write-up for the plastic carrier bags tied to trees is taking the piss.
So let’s get to the good stuff, which thankfully outnumbers the bad.
There are heavy works and light works and works that make you wonder which is which. (Images 2, 6 and 9)
And creatures! A trio of sheep, a smartphone chomping, multi-limbed man and a tusk-like crustacean I really, really wanted to accompany me through the fields. (Images 3, 5 and 8)
I wished more of the works had been placed out in the open land, like the many Giacometti-style works that stand out due to their bright white height (Image 4). Many will change and evolve with the elements over time. Those mirrors won’t ever be as clean as they were during the private view. (Images 7 and 10)
There’s an undeniable charm to this endeavour, and I hope all of the works survive the elements, and possibly late night hoolganism, for the next nine weeks.
At Gallery 32 (@gallery_no.32) in Bexley until 30 Apr
Click here for the full artist line-up and explanation of works.
BONUS:
Video from the opening day — out in the field and as seen from my train ride home — plus 15 additional photos of the works.
Travel Info:
The Winter Sculpture Park is a 5-10 min walk from Bexley Station. (NOT Bexley Heath!) Once you exit the station, follow the access road out towards your right to the main high street. Then you have two options as outlined on the map I’ve posted below.
NOTE 1: There are no toilets on site, but there may be a Portaloo.
NOTE 2: Check the weather before you visit. If it has recently rained, the fields may be muddy and hiking boots or Wellies would be advised.
