Tony Cragg

Acquired from the artist by the present owner in 2003

Paris, Galerie Chantal Crousel, Tony Cragg At the Gallery : Recent Sculptures, 2003
Bonn, Kunst-und Ausstellunghalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Tony Cragg: Signs of Life, 2003, no. 317, illustrated in colour in the catalogue
Goodwood, Cass Sculpture Foundation, Tony Cragg at Goodwood, 2005, illustrated in colour in the catalogue

Claire Shea & Kate Pratt (eds.), Cass Sculpture Foundation, Goodwood, 2012, illustrated in colour pp. 112 & 113
Claire Shea (ed.), Cass Sculpture Foundation, Ostfildern, 2012, illustrated in colour pp. 118 & 119

Tongue in Cheek is characterised by wit and verve denoted by the figure of speech it bears as its title. Executed in bronze, the artist has glibly undercut the orotund grandeur of this most traditional of materials by the rhythmic perforation of its form. The sensuous organic nature of its structure is underpinned by softly glowing bronze modulated by shadows cast through countless circular apertures in the metal. There is a corporeal lightness as well as a subtle sense of movement communicated by the variegated surface, which is unique to Cragg’s work and exemplifies his interest in materials. Cragg has used this style of execution is numerous works, including the monumental Zufahr, executed in 1996 and on display outside the Stadtsparkasse building in Wuppertal, Germany. In regard to the importance of materials to his output the artist has stated: ‘I have developed a particular belief in sculpture making, that I think gives it a principle and important role. What fascinated me is the way we work with materials, like pen and paper, or a piece of clay, or any other material for that matter, and while we are working with this material, it seems to suggest things to us. Leading us to make things we had never envisaged, and allowing us to experience emotion and ideas we may not have had by any other method, and definitely would not have had by sitting in the corner and conceptualising. This happens when people are making sculpture’ (quoted in Tony Cragg at Goodwood (exhibition catalogue), Cass Sculpture Foundation, Goodwood, 2005, pp. 132-33).