Jim Unsworth, born 1958

Jim Unsworth was born in Wigan, Lancashire in 1958. After reading Fine Art at Reading University he worked for 14 years in a studio in Greenwich amongst sculptors who gained a reputation for making welded steel sculptures. In 1991 he exhibited in Kunst Europa at the Kuntsverein in Kirchzarten, Freiburg, part of a nationwide exhibition of European Artists in Germany.

 In 1994 he moved to a studio in Bow, London which precipitated a change in his work. Large abstract sculptures gave way to figurative works on the theme of the circus. A strong narrative element became important, and the form of the elephant  in particular took precedence, not only in large  welded steel sculptures but in smaller modelled versions cast in bronze.

As Jim Unsworth observes; "Essentially it is man's relationship with animals, in particular to elephants, that inspires me to want to express my ideas through them. I use the elephants as a motif or vehicle to express complex ideas about the world we live in. I see them as a metaphor both for man's relationship to  animals and for man's relationship to himself: the nature of wild, captive or tame; the nature of freedom and control; the nature of partnership and individuality.

My personal relationship to elephants is particular; childhood memories, early experiences of the circus, of seeing an elephant for the first time and re-living the wonderment that something so visually awkward yet ultimately so sophisticated could exist in the world.

The form and spirit of elephants are fascinating- prehensile trunks that often become serpent-like;  large padded, silent feet; folds of skin; a beady eye. They possess a great sincerity and humility often tinged with humour. They have immense strength yet are very gentle. They have both male and female attributes, can be aggressive or placid. Their engagement with us is as equals, and they relate to us with a closeness which is always awe-inspiring and often acutely disarming.

Elephants are a great challenge to make.

Recent exhibitions:

1999 Sculpture at Goodwood, Goodwood, West Sussex

"ANIMAL" Musee Bourdelle, Paris, France

2000 "Sculpture in the Square Mile. Truth to Materials?" Finsbury circus and City Gallery, London

2001-2002 Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer, Minnesota, USA

This lot is being sold in situ in Surrey, England.  For viewing details please contact the department.