Contemporary Art Society
 
THE ECONOMIST
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The Economist Building provides the only outdoor public exhibition space in Central London committed to a continuous programme of sculptural works by contemporary artists.

The Contemporary Art Society has been commissioning a regular programme of outdoor sculptural works for the Economist Plaza for over a decade. Programming is designed to reflect the widest possible range of responses to the site, as well as to represent different trends and practices in current art. The programme consists of five to six commissions per year and are intended to showcase the work of young and emergent artists, reflecting the Contemporary Art Society’s expertise in identifying promise and The Economist’s reputation for being ‘ahead of the curve’. The Economist/Contemporary Art Society commissioning programme represents a unique and cutting edge approach to corporate support for the visual arts – a living collection.

 
FERNANDO CASSASEMPERE

The Thought-Provoking Machine

© Fernando Casasempere, The Thought-Provoking Machine, 2008 (photo: Matthew Blaney)

© Fernando Casasempere, The Thought-Provoking Machine, 2008 (photo: Matthew Blaney)

23rd May - 11th July 2008

The Economist Group and the Contemporary Art Society are pleased to present The Thought-Provoking Machine by Fernando Casasempere at the Economist Plaza.

The Thought-Provoking Machine is a sculptural installation inspired by the effects of machines and mass production on the environment and modern society. Since the early 1990's Casasempere has used sculpture to speak more widely about the environmental issues facing the world.

The work draws contrasts between organic matter and manufactured products. The manipulation of clay is central to Casasempere's art, and in using pigments obtained from residues of industrial waste he reinforces the conflict between nature and technology. The sculpture consists of two industrial conveyor belts, one transporting raw material in its original state, the other carrying the same material transformed by the artist. The belts appeal directly to the subconscious and have a strong association with industrial process.

"Nowadays, the ability we possess to transform is too powerful, so much so that we are affecting the landscape with more force than a natural disaster," says Casasempere. "The machine is out of control, devouring natural resources without stopping to consider the consequences seriously."

For information on the project and the artist please contact Alda Caparrelli Fine Art, London, 020 7370 3850. An exhibition of sculptures by Fernando Casasempere runs concurrently at Alda Caparrelli Fine Art. www.aldacaparrellifineart.com

About the Artist

Fernando Casasempere (b 1958) moved from Santiago in Chile to London in 1997. He has exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally. Recent shows and public commissions include Under the Forest at the Jerwood Sculpture Park, Ragley Hall (2007) and Venice: City of Dreams? at Sotheby's, London (2007). His works are included in prestigious collections worldwide including the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and Jerwood Foundation (Ragley Hall, Warwickshire).
click here to download the invite and press release (pdf)

For further information, contact Lara Wolfe at lara@contempart.org.uk or on 020 7831 3226.

 
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