Fernando Casasempere

Commissioned by the Jerwood Foundation in 2006

Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (2007 to present).

Generally the works are in good overall condition. The surface is inherently uneven, but there are a few very minor surface cracks, visible upon close inspection. There are spots of staining and debris, which is consistent with the piece being exhibited outside. Please telephone the department on +44 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present lot.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'I try to work with the landscape and melt into it rather than conquer it. I wanted the trunks to mix in with the forest... in the summer they would take on the natural branches of the surrounding trees and in the winter echo their naked form' (Casasempere, 2006).

Casasempere has long been interested in the environment and related ecological issues. Having studied ceramics at the University of Barcelona, he developed a method of incorporating industrial waste such as nickel and copper residues from mining operations into his clay. As a result, he has fostered a close relationship with the National Society of Mining in Chile, which has enabled him to experiment with a wide variety of waste materials which enhance the texture and tonal qualities of clay creating a myriad of different effects.

In order to create the present work, Casasempere spent six months at Baggeridge Brick's Sedgley factory working with local clay from the West Midlands whilst mixing in clay and waste materials from Chile. Under the Forest incorporates five individual tree-like forms, each measuring over 3 metres in height. As such, the physical scale of each ceramic piece required a huge amount of technical innovation by the artist and the works only just fit into Baggeridge's twenty metre long industrial kiln.