A Leeds artist has replicated the fingers of 28 famous people as sculptures.
They include the digits of luminaries such as Leeds literary legend Alan Bennett, designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, artist Tracey Emin, and architects Anish Kapoor and Lord Foster.
Their creator Joanna Brown says the idea cropped up in a conversation with five fellow fine arts masters students from the University of Leeds in 2007.
The result is 28 bronze casts of the index fingers of significant creative figures of our time.
The original castings will be on display at The Royal Academy, while three copies of the set will show simulataneously from September 15 to December 9 at the National Trust’s High Cross House in Dartington, Devon from 15 September 15 to January 6 and Dean Clough in Halifax, from September 15 to January 20.
Between September and January, while the piece is exhibited, three other editions of the cast fingers will be auctioned online at www.twentyeightfingers.org to raise money for art therapy at Freedom from Torture and The Art House in Wakefield.
She said: “From God passing the spark of life to Adam on the ceiling at the Vatican to Nick Park moulding the features of Gromit, fingers have a particular resonance with creativity.
“I’m really thrilled by how the artistic work has matured over time.
“I realised how beneficial art therapy can be for processing and expressing aspects of life that are beyond words when my father was dying. And this made me want to support art therapy as a cause.
“I am also an activist and have met many people that have been tortured for their beliefs. In supporting Freedom from Torture I hope that many people will be able to taste and experience ‘freedom’ and peace.
“I am also pleased that the project will support The Art House in Wakefield which was chosen because they have been developing studios that are accessible for people with disabilities.
“I’m excited by holding the auctions online as they will be accessible to everyone. I think that the charities will be delighted by the amount raised.”
For further information, visit the website: www.twentyeightfingers.org
Comments