Artist in residence

Turner Prize nominee Anthea Hamilton turns ordinary domestic objects into works of art at The Hepworth Wakefield. Grace Hammond reports.
Collection: Showing the Buddha from the Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lopburi, Thailand (13th or 14th century)and works by Mario Sironi, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska and Ben Nicholson Kettles Yard University of Cambridge.  Photo: Paul AllittCollection: Showing the Buddha from the Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lopburi, Thailand (13th or 14th century)and works by Mario Sironi, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska and Ben Nicholson Kettles Yard University of Cambridge.  Photo: Paul Allitt
Collection: Showing the Buddha from the Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lopburi, Thailand (13th or 14th century)and works by Mario Sironi, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska and Ben Nicholson Kettles Yard University of Cambridge. Photo: Paul Allitt

An installation by Turner Prize nominee – and former Leeds art student – Anthea Hamilton opens at the Hepworth Wakefield tomorrow.Entitled Kettle’s Yard Reimagined: Anthea Hamilton, the piece is a reinstallation of the existing presentation of Kettle’s Yard which will be on display at the Hepworth until next spring while the famous Cambridge gallery is closed for a major building project.

A rising star of the contemporary art scene, Hamilton studied Fine Art at Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan University). She graduated in 2000, continuing her studies at the Royal College of Art. Her installation presents a series of new works, created in response to works from the Kettle’s Yard Collection.

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“Kettle’s Yard is a very special place,” she says. “And bringing these selected objects to the galleries of The Hepworth Wakefield is the most incredible of invitations.”

Based on her research into the art and objects of the Kettle’s Yard Collection, Hamilton has reappropriated objects, using unexpected details as starting points for new works. For example, she has created a functional cabinet to display objects from Kettle’s Yard, while a painting by Christopher Wood has inspired a new ‘Kimono’ piece.

“Eight years ago I curated Anthea’s first major solo UK show at Chisenhale Gallery,” says Simon Wallis, director of The Hepworth Wakefield and exhibition co-curator. “It’s wonderful to be working with her again and to realise this exciting new installation.”

Many of the works on display are functional – such as a writing desk or a piece of clothing. Domestic objects, such as newly woven carpets and a staircase, are used as alternative modes of display for objects in the house. Hamilton has also brought the grand piano from Kettle’s Yard into the gallery as part of the installation and a programme of live performances will mirror the tradition of regular concerts in the house at Kettle’s Yard, established by founder Jim Ede.

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Hamilton has invited several British and international artists, with whom she has either previously worked, or whose work is important to her, to contribute to the new installation. These include French artist Laëtitia Badaut Haussmann, British artist Nicholas Byrne, German artist Daniel Sinsel and the celebrated American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe

The installation explores Hamilton’s interest in how our environment shapes the way we see objects and our understanding and experience of art. The careful arrangement of art and objects in Kettle’s Yard resonates with her own interest in the choreographing of space and objects. Her installations often resemble stage sets incorporating references drawn from the worlds of art, fashion, design and cinema.

“We are excited to see how Anthea Hamilton will use and re-present our renowned collection of 20th century British and international artists,” says Andrew Nairne, Kettle’s Yard Director. “We are delighted to join with The Hepworth Wakefield in supporting and working with one of the UK’s most talented contemporary artists on this special exhibition.”

Kettle’s Yard Reimagined: Anthea Hamilton is at the Hepworth Wakefield, September 17-March 2017. www.thehepworthwakefield.org