See Great Art While Catching A Tan In Regent's Park

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 79 months ago

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See Great Art While Catching A Tan In Regent's Park
He's giant and cartoon-y, but is this works by KAWS cute or threatening.

A giant black cartoon-esque figure, with crosses for eyes, looms over us. We don't know whether to smile with glee or make a run for it. It's the work of artist KAWS — and one of 24 sculptures that have invaded a corner of Regent's Park.

They include a tall tower made of small footballs, a tall thin version of Vulcan, God of the forge by Eduardo Paolozzi (he of Tottenham Court Road murals fame), and colourful ceramic totems by Japanese artist Takuro Kawata.

Rasheed Araeen's colourful cube is certainly one of the most colourful sculptures on display.
Though Takuro Kawata's ceramic trees aren't far behind in the colour stakes.

If the idea of sculpture in Regent's Park sounds familiar, it's because it's been happening every year in October to coincide with Frieze Art Fair — also held in Regent's Park.

We couldn't resist a cheeky selfie in this mirrored work. Plus it captures the surreal and garish oversized pink knot nearby.

The problem, of course, has always been the weather (and light). Doing this in summer makes so much sense: children can explore it over the summer holidays and adults can visit when they escape the office. Plus there's less chance of snow.

This headless figure by Magdalena Abakanowicz is the darkest work here. It represents the crushing onslaught of history — she would know having survived the Russian Revolution and the Nazi invasion of Poland.
We can brighten the tone once more with Michael Craig-Martin's bright outline of a wheelbarrow.

This year there's a lot of variety. Those who prefer a traditional approach to art can marvel at the realistic busts by Emily Young and Thomas Price.

One for the traditionalists.

Prefer a more screwball approach to art? Try the upside down elephant standing on its trunk, or the giant pink glittery knot — taking an industrial object and making it decorative.

It's not the White Tree of Gondor, but a work by Ugo Rondinone,

The Frieze sculpture park is always enjoyable when it doesn't take itself too seriously, and we're glad to report that this year's version brought a smile to our faces.

This giant sculpture made of nothing by acute angles, by Bernar Venet, is one of our favourites. So tempted to crawl through it.

If you can't make it to Regent's Park, then you can watch this hyperlapse video that covers the whole thing in two minutes:

Frieze Sculpture 2017 is in Regent's Park until 8 October. Entrance is free.

Last Updated 04 August 2017